For Financial Managers Conducting Business in the A|E Industry
This book rises above the information you Google–though there is plenty of that. The Controller’s Sketchbook conveys the nuanced expertise and understanding that only 100,000 hours of conducting business in the A/E industry can bring you.
In the Accounting section, a sample chart of accounts and complete set of financial statements are included that tie together and help the reader better comprehend the general journal transactions and their effects. Best Practice Tips from real life experiences add to the value of the materials being presented. Also included in government accounting is a Schedule of Direct Labor, Fringe Benefits, and General Overhead.
The Management sections describe a basic understanding of the function of the Controller in the areas of project, marketing, risk, and business management. The sections also demonstrate the value the Controller can contribute to these areas of the firm to enhance their position and career.
Firm transition sections describe the value drivers a firm needs to position itself for its future as an on-going entity whether that transition be internal or external.
Deborah is a CPA, management consultant, author, and lecturer with 40 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, construction, and land surveying industries. She has worked in large and small firms and helped to grow them and improve their bottom line with solid practice management in technical organizations. As a consultant and owner of Profit by Design, LLC, Deborah provided accounting and systems support for Deltek Vision products for over 100 clients. She also has established project management and financial systems to support the implementation of accounting software. Deborah has spoken before SDA, AIA, IFMA, NSPE, AIA Virginia, ACEC, and NSPS and developed the SDA’s practice management course BizTrak.
She now provides accounting and business acumen to her favorite non-profit organizations and establishes better business practices in small A|E firms.
She has a B.A. from the University of Mary Washington and is a licensed CPA in Virginia.
Author: Deborah A. Gill, CPA FSDA
"The author has captured the essence and nuances of accounting for an A/E firm. As she states in the Preface, there are several books written about the firms’ business and project management aspects designed to increase profitability; “this guide is written for the back-office business or Financial Manager to help the management accountant create the financial statements executive management uses and explain where the numbers come from.” With practical and industry-specific examples—in addition to a uniform case study of financial statements that ties many concepts together—the author covers the main topics critical for any A/E finance professional including:
The final section on firm transition brings all of the preceding processes and practices into focus by emphasizing the building of firm value and its transition potential."
"Finally, someone has taken the time to document all the many aspects that impact a Controller’s position in the A/E industry! In a world where A/E administrators are “doing more with less,” Deborah Gill has created a valuable resource to help every Controller be as knowledgeable and efficient as possible. The Controller’s Sketchbook is filled with insightful knowledge designed to help every reader improve their financial acumen and proficiency and increase their firm’s profitability.”s up-to-date with all tax laws and regulations to ensure you receive the maximum refund possible".
"I was highly impressed with “The Controller’s Sketchbook” by Deborah Gill. In her book, Deborah teaches Architects and Engineers valuable lessons in accounting. As an Architect and Senior Principal of a small design firm. I enjoyed reading and studying her amazing insights, and I support her mission of training Architects and Engineers around the world! I confidently recommend “The Controller’s Sketchbook,” and I know it will inspire you to be a better Architect or Engineer."
"Excellent book for new hires! Great learning tool for everyday practices on the job."
By Deborah A Gill, CPA FSDA
Printed in the United States of America
Edited by: Robert Weinstein
Cover and Book Design by Cheakina of Fiverr
Library of Congress Control Number:
ISBN 979-8-9869641-0-2
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