The Controller's Sketchbook

——— A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm ———

About The Book

The Controller’s Sketchbook is a resource for the Controller and CFO of an architectural and engineering firm covering Accounting, Taxes, Finances, Project, Business and Risk Management, and Firm Valuation.

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.

Meet The Author

The Controller’s Sketchbook, A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm

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

Book Reviews & Endorsements

June Jewell, CPA, AEC industry expert and Author of “Find the Lost Dollars” and “RAISE your Value”

"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:

Principles of Accounting
Financial Statements
Key Performance Indicators
Cost Accounting
Internal Controls
Taxes
Audits
Budgeting
Payroll including Benefits
Project, Business, and Risk Management

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."

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

"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".

Tony Casey, AIA, Senior Principal of Intergroup Architects

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

"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."

Contact The Author

The CONTROLLER’S SKETCHBOOK A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm

By Deborah A Gill, CPA FSDA

www.controllersketchbook.net

www.profitbydesignllc.net

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

To order email the author at:

Deborah.Gill@profitbydesignllc.net

The CONTROLLER’S SKETCHBOOK
A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm

The Controller's Sketchbook

The Controller's Sketchbook

——— A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm ———

——— A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm ———

About The Book

The Controller’s Sketchbook is a resource for the Controller and CFO of an architectural and engineering firm covering Accounting, Taxes, Finances, Project, Business and Risk Management, and Firm Valuation.

Meet The Author

The Controller’s Sketchbook, A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm

Chapter 5 Excerpt

Book Reviews & Endorsements

June Jewell, CPA, AEC industry expert and Author of “Find the Lost Dollars” and “RAISE your Value”

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

Tony Casey, AIA, Senior Principal of Intergroup Architects

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate Controller, Choate + Hertlein Architects

Terri Wilton, CDFA, BSBA, Business Manager, Carlisle Associates

Preview the Table of Contents

Contact The Author

The CONTROLLER’S SKETCHBOOK A Finance and Accounting Guide for the A|E Firm

To order email the author at:

Email The Author