Accountants forBuilding Contractors
We help building contractors make more money, improve cash flow and gain better control of their finances by giving them clear, timely financial information and proactive advice on job profitability, cash flow and tax.
Know your profit
See exactly which jobs make money, and which don't.
Control your cash
Forecasts that keep money in the bank and suppliers paid.
Stay compliant
CIS, reverse-charge VAT and tax, sorted and on time.
Who we help
We work with building and construction businesses of every kind, from established firms and main contractors to specialist trades and subbies. If you build for a living, you're who we're here for.
Whatever your trade, if you build for a living, we speak your language.
Does this sound like you?
You didn't get into construction to wrestle with spreadsheets, CIS returns and cash flow worries. But right now you might be thinking…
"Turnover is going up but I'm not seeing the profit."
"We're always chasing money, and there's never enough in the bank."
"I don't know what we've made until the accountant tells me six months later."
"Some jobs look great when we price them, but there's nothing left at the end."
"CIS and reverse-charge VAT do my head in."
"I don't know what tax we're going to owe, or if we can afford the next job."
If you nodded along to any of these, you're in exactly the right place.
Let's Fix It: Schedule a CallWe're the specialists who solve it
We work with building contractors every day, so we go far beyond year-end accounts and a tax bill. We give you the numbers, the timing and the advice to run a more profitable, less stressful business.
Job Profitability & Management Info
Know the real margin on every project, not six months after it's finished.
- Job costing & profitability reporting
- Monthly management accounts
- Budget vs actual by job
- WIP, retentions & variation tracking
Cash Flow & Tax Planning
Stop the feast-and-famine. See what's coming so you can plan with confidence.
- 13-week rolling cash flow forecasts
- Debtor management & KPI reporting
- Proactive tax forecasting, no surprises
- Scenario planning for your next big job
CIS, VAT & Compliance
The construction-specific stuff, handled properly and on time, every time.
- CIS returns & subcontractor verification
- Domestic reverse-charge VAT
- Employment status reviews
- Year-end accounts & Xero set-up
An accountant who actually understands your trade
Most accountants treat a building firm like any other business. They don't understand retentions, applications for payment, WIP or why reverse-charge VAT is such a headache, so you end up explaining your own trade to the people meant to be advising you.
We're different. Building contractors are who we specialise in, and behind that is real-world experience as a Financial Controller inside industry and construction businesses, not just a practice. That means fewer explanations, sharper commercial advice, and a partner who spots the problems and opportunities in your numbers before you do.
— The team at Berne & Co Accountancy Services
Deep focus on building & construction
Certified cloud & job-costing specialists
Direct access to your accountant, not a call centre
Reverse-charge VAT & CIS handled in-house
What our clients say
100% recommended · based on client recommendations on Facebook
"As a business owner I found managing tax returns and compliance overwhelming. Patrick took the time to understand my situation and explain everything clearly. Since working with him my business has grown, my team has expanded, and I have far less stress knowing everything's in expert hands."
"After years of frustration with our previous accountant — zero communication, mounting HMRC letters, constant uncertainty — we were desperate for a change. From day one the transition was seamless. He's consistently available, and thanks to his proactive approach we finally feel like we're on solid ground."
"Patrick came on board when my finances were a complete mess. He's an absolute workhorse — always happy to put time aside to get things sorted, and I finally have everything running like clockwork. A massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
"Perfect for an all-round service — help, support and advice, not only on the figures but advice to help our business grow and succeed. An accountant that will actually answer calls and emails, always someone available to advise. Business owners, look no further."
"I've worked with Berne & Co for over two years and they provide top-tier service — professional, responsive and thorough. They tailor their advice to your needs, whether business finances or strategic planning. No financial jargon, total peace of mind. 10/10."
"Patrick was a lifesaver. After my previous accountant left things in a real mess, he stepped in, quickly understood what had gone wrong and put a clear plan in place to fix it. He explained everything in plain English and I now feel completely confident everything's in safe hands."
Choose the level of support that fits your business
Every contractor is different, so every package is tailored on a call. Here's the shape of how we help firms at each stage.
Foundations
For sole traders & smaller contractors who want the essentials done right and on time.
- Year-end accounts & tax returns
- CIS returns & VAT
- Xero set-up & support
- Annual tax review
- Unlimited email & phone support
Growth
For established contractors who want to see profit clearly and control cash flow.
- Everything in Foundations
- Quarterly management accounts
- Job profitability reporting
- Cash flow forecasting
- Proactive tax planning
- Regular advisory catch-ups
Finance Function
For growing firms that have outgrown DIY and need a full outsourced finance team.
- Everything in Growth
- Monthly management accounts
- 13-week cash flow & WIP reporting
- Outsourced bookkeeping & payroll
- KPI dashboards & board packs
- Virtual FD support
How it works
Book a call
We'll talk through where your business is now, what's frustrating you, and where you want to get to. No jargon, no obligation.
Get a clear plan
We tailor the right package for your firm and set up the numbers, systems and reporting that give you real visibility.
Grow with confidence
You get clear, timely information and proactive advice, so you make more money, sleep better and stay in control.
Complete peace of mind over your numbers
At Berne & Co Accountancy Services, we know you're the kind of person who wants to be successful in business and have complete peace of mind when it comes to your accounts and taxes. To do that, you need access to an advisor who understands your sector, knows where you're heading and has the expertise to put your mind at ease.
The problem is, you don't have someone you can ask questions, get answers and rely upon for the best advice, which makes you feel uncertain, frustrated and like you could be missing out. We believe you shouldn't have to figure out accounting and tax questions on your own by Googling for the answer. That's the job of your accountant!
We understand you haven't studied accounting and tax, and we wouldn't expect you to know everything about it (it's hard enough for us, having worked in it for years!). That's why we've chosen a select industry, and a select group of clients, to understand in depth, so we can give you the best advice, peace of mind and an answer whenever you need it.
So apply for a call with us today. Stop worrying about what you might be missing out on because you're not getting the right advice or support, and start your journey to complete peace of mind and keeping more of what you earn.
7 Costly Mistakes Building Contractors Make
The financial traps that quietly eat contractors' profits, explained in plain English, with a simple fix for each one.
- Why "turnover up, profit down" happens, and how to stop it
- The CIS & reverse-charge VAT traps that trigger penalties
- How to know your tax bill months in advance
- The one report that tells you if you can afford the next job
Ready to take control of your numbers?
Book a free, no-obligation discovery call. We'll get to know your business, talk through what's frustrating you, and see whether we're the right fit to help. No jargon, no pressure.
Schedule a CallBook your free discovery call
Pick a time that suits you. It's a friendly, no-obligation 20-minute chat, and we'll send you the link once you book.