Accrued Revenue
What is Accrued Revenue?
Accrued revenue is the income a subcontractor has earned for work performed or in progress but has not yet billed (the general contractor or client) or received payment for. This typically happens due to the nature of construction contracts, where payments are often tied to milestones or project completion.
Example: An electrical subcontractor working on a large commercial building is paid based on completed milestones, with invoices due at the end of each month. By June 30th, they've finished 75% of the $100,000 job, but can't invoice until month-end. The $75,000 earned but not yet invoiced is their accrued revenue.
Tracking accrued revenue is crucial for accurate financial reporting, as it reflects the subcontractor’s economic activity for the period—even before invoicing or receiving payment. To gain even deeper financial insights, many subcontractors turn to Siteline. Our tool is tailored to help track pay application statuses and amounts owed, empowering subcontractors to make more informed, strategic decisions. Experience the benefits firsthand by scheduling a Siteline demo today.
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Other construction terms
What is a Current Ratio?
A Current Ratio is a financial metric primarily used in the construction industry to gauge a company's short-term liquidity and ability to pay off its immediate obligations. It is calculated by dividing a company's current assets by its current liabilities. In construction, current assets include cash, accounts receivables, and inventory (like raw materials and work in progress), while current liabilities encompass accounts payable, income taxes, wages, and current portion of long-term debt. A high ratio indicates a company's robust financial health, implying it has adequate resources to cover its short-term debts. However, it varies depending on the specific business environment, so it is essential to compare this ratio with firms in the same construction sector for accurate benchmarking.
What is Working Capital?
Working capital, in the context of the construction industry, is a financial metric which represents the operating liquidity available to a business. It is essential for managing the day-to-day expenses that arise during construction projects. It is calculated by subtracting the current liabilities (what the firm owes within a year) from the current assets (what the firm owns or can quickly convert into cash within a year). These generally include accounts receivable, inventory, and cash on hand. A positive working capital is critically important in the construction industry as it suggests that the company has enough resources to complete current projects without needing additional financing. It also underscores the firm's financial stability in managing its short-term obligations while still growing its operations. Without ample working capital, construction companies may encounter challenges in purchasing materials, paying subcontractors or meeting other immediate expenses.
What is Insurance?
Insurance, in the context of the construction industry, refers to a contract known as an insurance policy, that a company or individual buys from an insurance provider to reduce the financial risk associated with potential loss or damage. There are numerous types of insurance policies like liability insurance, builder's risk insurance, and workers compensation that are specifically designed to safeguard construction businesses against various hazards. For example, if a construction site accidentally experiences unexpected damages, having proper insurance can alleviate the burden of these costs. Each insurance policy has a premium and a deductible, and the terms and conditions can extensively vary based on the policy. The selection of insurance types and coverage should be made meticulously considering the nature and scope of the construction project.