Expert Accountants for Construction Companies
Construction firms face complex financial challenges—from fluctuating material costs to CIS compliance. At Cogency Chartered Accountants, we specialise in helping builders, contractors, and developers across Manchester, Salford, and Swinton streamline finances, maximise tax efficiency, and stay HMRC-compliant.
- 30+ Years’ Construction Accounting Expertise
- Chartered Accountants
- Fixed-Fee Pricing – No Surprises


Do Construction Companies Need Accountants?
Absolutely. Construction accounting involves unique complexities:
- CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) – Managing subcontractor deductions and HMRC filings.
- VAT Reverse Charges – Navigating post-Brexit VAT rules for materials and labour.
- Job Costing & Profit Tracking – Ensuring projects stay profitable amid rising costs.
Without expert support, tax errors, cash flow gaps, and compliance risks can hurt your business.
How Co-gency Helps Construction Businesses
Cash Management & Budgeting
✔ Build out a personal and business budget including tax strategy
✔ Model short term cashflow forecast
✔ Tender bid costing and strategy
VAT & CIS Compliance
We handle:
✔ CIS registration & monthly returns
✔ VAT reverse charge
✔ Partial exemption calculations
✔ HMRC dispute resolution
Payroll & Subcontractor Management
✔ CIS payroll processing (including verification and deductions)
✔ PAYE & pensions (auto-enrolment) submissions and CIS refund claims
Tax Efficiency for Construction
✔ Corporation Tax planning
✔ Self-Assessment for directors & sole traders
✔ Capital allowance claims such as Plant & Machinery, equipment etc
Cash Management & Budgeting
✔ Build out a personal and business budget including tax strategy
✔ Model short term cashflow forecast
✔ Tender bid costing and strategy
VAT & CIS Compliance
We handle:
✔ CIS registration & monthly returns
✔ VAT reverse charge
✔ Partial exemption calculations
✔ HMRC dispute resolution
Payroll & Subcontractor Management
✔ CIS payroll processing (including verification and deductions)
✔ PAYE & pensions (auto-enrolment) submissions and CIS refund claims
Tax Efficiency for Construction
✔ Corporation Tax planning
✔ Self-Assessment for directors & sole traders
✔ Capital allowance claims such as Plant & Machinery, equipment etc
"Thinking About Taxes?" – Let Co-gency Handle Them
Tax deadlines and HMRC investigations don’t have to be stressful. Our proactive approach ensures:
Accurate CIS & VAT filings (avoiding penalties)
Maximised deductions (claiming every allowable expense)
Year-round support (not just at year-end)
What Our Clients Say About Us
Latest Construction Accounting Insights
A Contractor’s Guide to Navigating CIS Deadlines in 2025
Construction businesses in Swinton, Salford, and across the UK must carefully manage deadlines under HMRC’s Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Missing monthly filing or payment deadlines can result in significant penalties, interest charges, and reputational harm. At...
Accepting Crypto Payments: What SMEs in Salford Must Know About Tax and Accounting
As cryptocurrency adoption grows across the UK, smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Swinton and Salford are exploring the benefits of accepting crypto payments. While this innovation can improve customer experience and enhance flexibility, it also brings...
Stay HMRC-Compliant: How Co-gency Helps You Never Miss a Tax Deadline
Missing tax deadlines can cost UK businesses significantly in terms of fines, interest charges, and administrative headaches. For businesses in Swinton and Salford, staying ahead of your HMRC obligations is essential to maintaining financial health and avoiding...
Useful Resources for Contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Construction Accounting Different from Regular Accounting?
Construction accounting involves project-based tracking, CIS compliance, and percentage-of-completion revenue recognition. Unlike standard accounting, it requires:
✔ Job costing (materials, labour, subcontractors)
✔ VAT reverse charge management
✔ Progress billing & retention handling
Do Contractors Need a Specialised Accountant?
Yes! General accountants often miss:
- CIS deductions & refunds
- VAT domestic reverse charge rules
- Industry-specific tax breaks (e.g., plant machinery allowances).
*Our construction-specialised team saves clients £1,000s annually.*
What’s the Best Accounting Software for Construction Firms?
Top picks for UK builders:
- Xero (CIS-compatible, cloud-based)
- QuickBooks Contractor Edition
- Sage 50 Construction
We integrate your software with HMRC-compliant workflows.
How Much Does an Accountant Cost for a Construction Business?
Costs vary by services.
Get a free cost estimate tailored to your trade.