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2012 EDITORIAL INDEX

Accounting & Reporting A148 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion

By Richard L. Werner Understanding and anticipating potential challenges inherent in each project is the key to your company’s long-term survival – and profitability. Find out how, with a little finesse and financial savvy, you can anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements. This industry veteran will show you how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

A149 New Multiemployer Pension Plan Disclosure Requirements: What They Mean for Your Company

By Michael J. Ellis As a result of FASB’s solidified guidance on multiemployer pension plans, an increased amount of information will need to be disclosed. It’s important for union contractors that participate in these plans to be ready to implement this new standard. Check out the Sample Disclosure found within the article.

A150 Worker Classification – “Building” a Case for Independent Contractor Status

By Adam L. Lambert & Benjamin M. Spector The IRS, DOL, and state taxing authorities are increasing their focus on worker misclassification, and the construction industry has historically been targeted. Learn about compliance strategies and remedies contractors can take to minimize their potential for exposure to audit activity and employment tax penalties.

A151 Revenue Recognition After Three Years: Where Are We Now?

By Jerry T. Henderson & Michael J. Sobolewski These experts highlight key similarities and differences between the original and revised FASB/IASB exposure drafts on revenue recognition and provide an update of activities that continue to shape the final standard.

A152 One Contractor’s Use of Lean/Six Sigma to Address Challenges By Michael J. Sibley & Roger N. Swanger Walk through one company’s implementation and use of Lean/Six Sigma to address challenges and improve processes after a merger.

Cash Management

CM65 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion By Richard L. Werner Understanding and anticipating potential challenges inherent in each project is the key to your company’s long-term survival – and profitability. Find out how, with a little finesse and financial savvy, you can anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements. This industry veteran will show you how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

CM66 New Productivity Measurement Standard Affects Revenue Recognition

By Dr. Perry Daneshgari & Heather Moore Until construction productivity is correctly measured, it cannot be improved. The ASTM Standard Practice for Job Productivity Measurement, or JPM, was developed to accurately measure construction productivity. Discover JPM’s three principles, how it can be used for revenue recognition based on the percentage-of-completion method, and how it can help improve your company’s productivity.

CM67 The Importance of Methods of Accounting: Maximizing After-Tax Cash Flow

By Brian R. Walsh Cash is king, especially in a down economy. Learn about methods of accounting strategies for tax purposes to put cash back into your company and optimize its after-tax cash flow.

Computers & Technology C196 Waves of Change: How Will the Next Wave of Technology Change the Way We Work?

By John Chaney Three major waves of technological change have impacted productivity in the construction industry. Read about the patterns that have emerged and how the next wave of web-based computing can benefit your company.

C197 Understanding The Information System Audit Process

By Victor M. Marshall & Scott M. Lewis Information is a critical asset; protecting it should be a top priority for contractors. These authors present the major areas for CFMs to consider when planning or conducting an IT audit or review, from IT management and governance to disaster recovery and business continuity.

C198 Cloud Computing for Construction Accounting

By Brian J. Thomas The collaboration enabled by cloud computing can be especially useful for a contractor’s accounting and financial reporting needs, with benefits that range from mobile accessibility and scalability to lower fixed costs. However, there are also disadvantages and concerns to address. Learn how to capitalize on this technology and reap the benefits from a cloud environment.

C199 Cloud Computing: A Practical Guide to Software Hosting

By John B. Chaney Software hosting continues to have a significant effect on company operations as more software moves to the cloud. This industry veteran provides practical advice on how to make cloud applications available to all users within your company. Don’t miss the Software Hosting Checklist within the article.

C200 Information Technology Strategic Planning

By Sharon Minnock With the rapid pace of technology, an IT strategic plan should be a critical element of any company’s mission and direction. Walk through the strategic planning steps to begin the journey.

C201 Construction Moneyball: Turning Information into Power

By Rick Gott Access to accurate, real-time data is essential for success in today’s business climate. This article examines how business intelligence applications are used by three different functions within a company: financial, HR, and project management.

C202 Reducing Risk Throughout the Project Life Cycle

By Peg McCain A complete software solution can help contractors manage risk throughout a project’s life cycle.

C203 The Basics of Creating Your Company’s Mobile Policy By Aaron M. Gray

When creating a mobile policy for your company, follow these guidelines and considerations, which range from devices and support to security issues.

C204 Who Moved My File? EDM in the Construction Industry By Timothy M. Loughrin

Electronic Document Management (EDM) can work as a time-saving tool for CFMs to create and use documents at various stages of a project. Gain insight into EDM best practices, available software platforms, and advantages and disadvantages.

Legal Issues L83 Repairs or Improvements? New IRS Rules on Tangible Property

By Jonathan D. Olson & John W. Dorn IRS temporary regulations clarifying the line between deductible repairs and capitalized improvements have a widespread impact throughout the construction industry. Learn about potential tax savings opportunities and consequences of this change.

L84 Prevailing Wages: Fringe Benefit Compliance

By Samuel M. Melamed With the increased federal focus on compliance, it’s critical for contractors working on publicly funded and assisted projects to understand the history, applicability, and opportunities available under the Davis-Bacon Act.

L85 Worker Classification – “Building” a Case for Independent Contractor Status

By Adam L. Lambert & Benjamin M. Spector The IRS, DOL, and state taxing authorities are increasing their focus on worker misclassification, and the construction industry has historically been targeted. Learn about compliance strategies and remedies contractors can take to minimize their potential for exposure to audit activity and employment tax penalties.

L86 Seven Potentially Deadly Contracting Sins

By Frank E. Riggs With tight profit margins and steep competition, CFMs could benefit from this industry veteran’s advice on avoiding seven deadly sins at the beginning of each new construction project in order to minimize risk and maximize profitability. Don’t miss the essential “Project Payment Probability Assessment” at the end of the article.

L87 Dispute Resolution Provisions in Construction Contracts

By Antony L. Sanacory In an age where traditional litigation has been equated to “the ancient trial by battle and blood,” Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has been promoted as a time, energy, and cost-saving antidote. Learn about ADR basics, how it stacks up against traditional litigation, and dispute resolution trends in construction contracts.

L88 Lessons Learned from Ethics Compliance Breaches By Jack A. Callahan & Amy L. Benbrook

The compliance environment is changing for public and private contractors, as evidenced by recent fines and high-profile criminal prosecutions. These authors demonstrate how contractors can knowingly and unknowingly violate ethical standards, highlight potentially severe penalties, and outline steps for implementing a compliance program.

Management & Leadership

M166 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs By Calvin E. Beyer Economic challenges and resulting industry changes continue to impact the financial, operational, risk management, and insurance aspects of your company. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand the role that construction defect prevention plays in avoiding increased risk and improving your company’s bottom line. Take special note of the hurdles, metrics, and consequences related to quality management.

M167 A CFM’s Role in Job Process Improvement

By Leslie Shiner Process improvement is a critical part of the CFM’s skill set. Simple changes in managing labor, procurement, subcontractors, and change orders can help jobs run more effectively and efficiently.

M168 A Recipe for Contractor Success

By Martha-Ann Marley Successful contractors adapt to changing market conditions by constricting and expanding their operations. This recipe for success utilizes best practices, cost control, and proper planning to help your company succeed.

M169 On Your Toes or on Your Heels?

By Thomas W. Emison What drives a contractor’s success in this challenging economy? This industry veteran explores common traits, provides corporate culture insights, and reveals emerging differentiation models for today’s successful contractors. Also, don’t miss Wade A. Sandy’s tips for the CFM’s role and six recommendations to help your company get on its corporate toes.

M170 Journey of Transformation: The CFO’s Perspective By Renee Beaulieu, Skip Perley, Dr. Perry Daneshgari & Heather Moore Thompson Electric Company transformed itself from a top-down corporate culture into a vibrant, adaptable business that proactively responds to the constant changes in the construction industry. Walk through this transformation journey from the CFO’s perspective and learn about the steps, hurdles, and solutions discovered along the way.

M171 Stuck in Neutral?

By Martha-Ann Marley With predictions of a recovery potentially a couple of years away, now is a good time to realistically assess which gear your company is in: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. Ensure that your business strategy protects your company so that it can emerge poised to capitalize on opportunities when the economy rebounds.

M172 Information Technology Strategic Planning

By Sharon Minnock With the rapid pace of technology, an IT strategic plan should be a critical element of any company’s mission and direction. Walk through the strategic planning steps to begin the journey.

M173 Seven Potentially Deadly Contracting Sins


M174 Critical Issues to Consider Before, During & After a Joint Venture By John E. Colwell, Ryan A. Hiss, Gene R. Huebner & Jonathan K. Zeiler Like any relationship, there are issues – and some pitfalls – to consider before entering into a joint venture (JV). These authors outline best practices to help contractors successfully navigate a JV relationship, from making the decision to wrapping up the project.

M175 Positioning for the Next Upturn: M&A Trends for the Construction Market By Timothy R. Sznewajs

The economic downturn has created an environment in which mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a robust option for contractors in search of opportunity. This industry expert reviews seven leading M&A trends that are influencing strategic decisions and driving transaction activity in the construction industry.

M176 Lessons Learned from Ethics Compliance Breaches By Jack A. Callahan & Amy L. Benbrook


M177 Building a Successful Future on a Foundation of Dynamic Leadership By Christine Corelli

Today, dynamic leadership is essential to success. Learn about the values and traits of dynamic leaders, including effective communication and the ability to lead the younger generation.

Personnel & Benefits Issues P122 New Multiemployer Pension Plan Disclosure Requirements: What They Mean for Your Company

By Michael J. Ellis As a result of FASB’s solidified guidance on multiemployer pension plans, an increased amount of information will need to be disclosed. It’s important for union contractors that participate in these plans to be ready to implement this new standard. Check out the Sample Disclosure found within the article.

Productivity Tools PT158 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion

By Richard L. Werner Understanding and anticipating potential challenges inherent in each project is the key to your company’s long-term survival – and profitability. Find out how, with a little finesse and financial savvy, you can anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements. This industry veteran will show you how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

PT159 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs

By Calvin E. Beyer Economic challenges and resulting industry changes continue to impact the financial, operational, risk management, and insurance aspects of your company. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand the role that construction defect prevention plays in avoiding increased risk and improving your company’s bottom line. Take special note of the hurdles, metrics, and consequences related to quality management.

PT160 A CFM’s Role in Job Process Improvement

By Leslie Shiner Process improvement is a critical part of the CFM’s skill set. Simple changes in managing labor, procurement, subcontractors, and change orders can help jobs run more effectively and efficiently.

PT161 A Recipe for Contractor Success

By Martha-Ann Marley Successful contractors adapt to changing market conditions by constricting and expanding their operations. This recipe for success utilizes best practices, cost control, and proper planning to help your company succeed.

PT162 New Trends for Weathering the Recession

By Lee A. Weintraub As the recession continues, a “new way” of doing business in the construction industry has emerged. Read about some of the policies and strategies that contractors and subcontractors have implemented to stay afloat.

PT163 On Your Toes or on Your Heels?

By Thomas W. Emison What drives a contractor’s success in this challenging economy? This industry veteran explores common traits, provides corporate culture insights, and reveals emerging differentiation models for today’s successful contractors. Also, don’t miss Wade A. Sandy’s tips for the CFM’s role and six recommendations to help your company get on its corporate toes.

PT164 New Productivity Measurement Standard Affects Revenue Recognition

By Dr. Perry Daneshgari & Heather Moore Until construction productivity is correctly measured, it cannot be improved. The ASTM Standard Practice for Job Productivity Measurement, or JPM, was developed to accurately measure construction productivity. Discover JPM’s three principles, how it can be used for revenue recognition based on the percentage-of-completion method, and how it can help improve your company’s productivity.

PT165 Journey of Transformation: The CFO’s Perspective By Renee Beaulieu, Skip Perley, Dr. Perry Daneshgari & Heather Moore Thompson Electric Company transformed itself from a top-down corporate culture into a vibrant, adaptable business that proactively responds to the constant changes in the construction industry. Walk through this transformation journey from the CFO’s perspective and learn about the steps, hurdles, and solutions discovered along the way.

PT166 Stuck in Neutral?

By Martha-Ann Marley With predictions of a recovery potentially a couple of years away, now is a good time to realistically assess which gear your company is in: Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. Ensure that your business strategy protects your company so that it can emerge poised to capitalize on opportunities when the economy rebounds.

PT167 Information Technology Strategic Planning By Sharon Minnock With the rapid pace of technology, an IT strategic plan should be a critical element of any company’s mission and direction. Walk through the strategic planning steps to begin the journey.

PT168 An Auditor’s Perspective: Internal Controls & Subcontract Risk

By Shane E. Brown Learn about the five key elements of an effective internal control system to help prevent a loss from a subcontractor relationship.

PT169 Subcontractor Prequalification Using Scoring Formulas By James L. Bly & J. Andrew Brach

Help manage subcontractor default risk and gain a competitive advantage in today’s economic environment by developing and implementing a scoring formula that meets your company’s needs.

PT170 Greener on the Other Side: A CFM’s Role in Mitigating Risk By Carl M. Bloomfield, James P. Marquet & David S. Merker

Green-built and LEED-certified projects carry risks that differ from traditional projects. CFMs should stay actively involved in these projects, from planning and bidding to insurance and safety, in order to protect their companies’ project investments.

PT171 Positioning for the Next Upturn: M&A Trends for the Construction Market By Timothy R. Sznewajs

The economic downturn has created an environment in which mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are a robust option for contractors in search of opportunity. This industry expert reviews seven leading M&A trends that are influencing strategic decisions and driving transaction activity in the construction industry.

PT172 The State of Our Highways & Bridges: Accelerated Bridge Construction By John E. Powell, Jr. & Benjamin Beerman

The benefits provided by our nation’s vast transportation network are indisputable. However, aging infrastructure and increased traffic volumes have led to reduced mobility and congestion. Learn about key accelerated bridge construction technologies that help address this need.

PT173 Building a Successful Future on a Foundation of Dynamic Leadership By Christine Corelli

Today, dynamic leadership is essential to success. Learn about the values and traits of dynamic leaders, including effective communication and the ability to lead the younger generation.

PT174 Energy Savings Performance Contracts: Rewards & Risks By David R. Cook & Dr. James D. Bradford

Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) has flourished as facility owners are increasingly paying attention to energy usage and costs. Contractors that understand the benefits and risks of this project delivery method could gain a significant advantage.

PT175 One Contractor’s Use of Lean/Six Sigma to Address Challenges By Michael J. Sibley & Roger N. Swanger Walk through one company’s implementation and use of Lean/Six Sigma to address challenges and improve processes after a merger.

Risk Management R196 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs

By Calvin E. Beyer Economic challenges and resulting industry changes continue to impact the financial, operational, risk management, and insurance aspects of your company. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand the role that construction defect prevention plays in avoiding increased risk and improving your company’s bottom line. Take special note of the hurdles, metrics, and consequences related to quality management.

R197 Benchmarking & Best Practices in Construction Risk Management By Steven D. Davis Benchmarking is a powerful risk management tool; but, in order to be effective, it must be tailored to your company and its specific operating philosophy. From limits of liability and insurance program structure to measuring indemnity case rates and safety, this article provides the guidance you need to benchmark your company’s risk management program.

R198 The Nuts & Bolts of Subcontractor Default Insurance

By Douglas L. Rieder With subcontractor defaults on the rise, contractors must ensure they’re protected. Learn about subcontractor default insurance (SDI) as an alternative to performance and payment bonds. This article covers the elements of SDI, the costs involved, and the advantages and disadvantages of SDI over bonding.

R199 Prevailing Wages: Fringe Benefit Compliance

By Samuel M. Melamed With the increased federal focus on compliance, it’s critical for contractors working on publicly funded and assisted projects to understand the history, applicability, and opportunities available under the Davis-Bacon Act.

R200 An Auditor’s Perspective: Internal Controls & Subcontract Risk

By Shane E. Brown Learn about the five key elements of an effective internal control system to help prevent a loss from a subcontractor relationship.

R201 Reducing Risk Throughout the Project Life Cycle

By Peg McCain A complete software solution can help contractors manage risk throughout a project’s life cycle.

R202 Seven Potentially Deadly Contracting Sins


R203 Critical Issues to Consider Before, During & After a Joint Venture

By John E. Colwell, Ryan A. Hiss, Gene R. Huebner & Jonathan K. Zeiler Like any relationship, there are issues – and some pitfalls – to consider before entering into a joint venture (JV). These authors outline best practices to help contractors successfully navigate a JV relationship, from making the decision to wrapping up the project.

R204 Subcontractor Prequalification Using Scoring Formulas By James L. Bly & J. Andrew Brach

Help manage subcontractor default risk and gain a competitive advantage in today’s economic environment by developing and implementing a scoring formula that meets your company’s needs.

R205 Greener on the Other Side: A CFM’s Role in Mitigating Risk By Carl M. Bloomfield, James P. Marquet & David S. Merker

Green-built and LEED-certified projects carry risks that differ from traditional projects. CFMs should stay actively involved in these projects, from planning and bidding to insurance and safety, in order to protect their companies’ project investments.

R206 Recognizing & Managing Risks in Today’s Construction Market By Robert S. Rapp, Jr. & Walter K. McDonough

As lean times continue to place pressure on contractors and subcontractors, these authors outline current financing and contract negotiation risks, and insights on how to manage them.

R207 The State of Our Highways & Bridges: Accelerated Bridge Construction By John E. Powell, Jr. & Benjamin Beerman


R208 Lessons Learned from Ethics Compliance Breaches By Jack A. Callahan & Amy L. Benbrook


R209 Energy Savings Performance Contracts: Rewards & Risks By David R. Cook & Dr. James D. Bradford

Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) has flourished as facility owners are increasingly paying attention to energy usage and costs. Contractors that understand the benefits and risks of this project delivery method could gain a significant advantage.

R210 Is Your Company a Captive Insurance Candidate? By Ken Bos & Jerry Jonckheere

Learn about the available structures and benefits of captives as a potential opportunity for your company to reduce expenses in the strengthening insurance market.

Tax & Legislative Issues T149 Repairs or Improvements? New IRS Rules on Tangible Property

By Jonathan D. Olson & John W. Dorn IRS temporary regulations clarifying the line between deductible repairs and capitalized improvements have a widespread impact throughout the construction industry. Learn about potential tax savings opportunities and consequences of this change.

T150 The Importance of Methods of Accounting: Maximizing After-Tax Cash Flow

By Brian R. Walsh Cash is king, especially in a down economy. Learn about methods of accounting strategies for tax purposes to put cash back into your company and optimize its after-tax cash flow.

T151 The Basics of Managing Capital Gains & Capital Losses

By Peter T. Ryan & D. Brian Bastis These authors cover the basics of how to determine if a gain or loss is capital or ordinary, compute the gain or loss, report it properly, and utilize any available offsets.

T152 2013 Tax Changes & the Potential for Tax Reform: What It Means for Contractors

By Cord D. Armstrong Contractors should take note of the scheduled increases in individual income tax rates, monitor the proposed corporate tax changes, and review their current tax structure.

T153 Tax Considerations for Contractors By Brian R. Walsh

From tax accounting options and state and local taxes to estate and gift planning, this overview highlights 10 considerations for CFMs to discuss with their tax advisors as year-end approaches.

T154 The State of Our Highways & Bridges: Accelerated Bridge Construction By John E. Powell, Jr. & Benjamin Beerman



Accounting & Reporting A144 What to Look for in a Construction CPA by Todd F. Taggart & Danny B. Parrish

This article will help you determine your company’s CPA needs, narrow your search results, and provide considerations that ultimately help you select the best candidate. Don’t miss the Generic Accountant Selection Sample Document at the end of the article.

A145 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by Anthony R. Stagliano

This article reviews some best practices to help your company improve its cash flow. Complete the “30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism” and then check out the “20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow” that follows.

A146 Revenue Recognition Exposure Draft Revised: What CFMs Need to Know by Jerry T. Henderson & Michael J. Sobolewski

On November 14, 2011, FASB and IASB issued their Revised Exposure Draft on Revenue Recognition. Once finalized, it will replace most existing revenue recognition and construction cost accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This article presents a summary of the most significant changes from the original Exposure Draft that will impact the construction industry.

A147 Using Job Cost Reporting to Mitigate Risk & Improve Profitability by William M. Kerns

This author details cost reporting features and uses, with 10 visual examples of techniques to help identify potential problems early on and improve overall profitability.

Cash Management

CM58 Six Best Practices for Surviving the Recession by Brian M. Andrew

Rather than fearing the challenges to the construction industry during the recession, the best and strongest companies are taking this opportunity to improve. Discover six best practices to guide your company toward profitability.

CM59 Small Business Job Acts of 2010: What CFMs Need to Know by Norman L. Myers, II

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was designed to help small businesses in a variety of tax areas. However, there are some increased reporting items and penalties of which to be aware. Find out about such changes as the reclassification of cell phones and other telecommunications equipment, built-in gains relief, increased §179 deductions, extended bonus deprecation, and more.

CM60 The Cost of Money: Factoring Working Capital by Earl Harper

Factoring is an alternative source of working capital for some contractors that aren’t able to obtain traditional financing. Learn the benefits and risks of this strategy, including the difference between borrowing and factoring, the reasons for resistance to this method, and descriptions of the costs involved.

CM61 A Primer: Building Your Loan & Working with Your Lender by Michael L. Gentry

When obtaining a loan, be prepared and keep the lines of communication open. Find out what should be included in a loan information package, what types of loans are available, and why it’s important to have an expert review the fine print.

CM62 Factoring Receivables: Consider Potential Problems & Pitfalls by Todd A. Jones

Factoring can be an alternate financing option for contractors that cannot obtain traditional funding. However, there are many risks involved. Read more on this controversial topic in a conversation between a lawyer and a factor.

CM63 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by Anthony R. Stagliano


CM64 Prequalification from the Subcontractor’s Point of View by David A. Walls

Subcontractors should practice ongoing due diligence to help ensure payment on work performed. A proactive approach can help reduce the risk of nonpayment at all project stages.

Computers & Technology C185 Human Capital Management: The Heart of Your Company by Victoria Satran

Human capital management solutions can help alleviate the burden of receiving, updating, and maintaining employee data for benefits management, regulatory compliance, employee development, knowledge transfer, IT security and integration, and recruitment management.

C186 Business Process Re-Engineering by Douglas C. Nichols

Learn how to effectively re-engineer business processes with the proper team, tools, and resources to realize financial benefits for your company.

C187 Beyond Virtualization: Moving from Remote Access to True Collaboration by John Chaney

With project information becoming more readily available to all participants than ever before, it’s important for CFMs to learn about new technologies that will allow true project collaboration to become a reality. This article provides insight into these new practices within the construction industry.

C188 Future Proofing by Bassem S. Hamdy

Is your company future proofed? Ensure your company maintains a competitive edge in the future by implementing business processes and technologies now. Don’t miss the Future Proofing Questionnaire to evaluate your company’s level of future proofing.

C189 Guard Against Cyber Theft: Protect Your Company’s Financial Assets by Tommie W. Singleton & Steven J. Ursillo, Jr.

Become informed about electronic funds transfer (EFT) fraud, which affects mostly small to medium-sized businesses. This article demonstrates the nature of the crime and how companies can protect themselves against it.

C190 Recruit & Retain Generation Y: Technology Is Key by Steven L. Hathaway Since the tech-savvy Generation Y will be the foundation of the future workforce, it’s important that contractors embrace technology to successfully recruit and retain this generation’s top talent. C191 A New Take on the Backseat Driver by Christopher M. Hayes

To support good driving behavior, employers are turning to telematic technology to manage their fleets. Discover the capabilities of telematics, read about their effectiveness, and identify elements of a company-developed system to get the most out of this technology.

C192 Hidden Dangers of Information Governance by Kristin L. Farnen

All companies should have a document retention policy that provides guidelines on retention and destruction of company information. Find out why keeping (or tossing) too much information can be costly and dangerous.

C193 The Life of a Construction Document Using ECM by Bruce Williams

Follow a construction document’s life cycle through an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution and discover the productivity and efficiency benefits of ECM.

C194 Inherent Risks of IT Systems & Technology Tools by Christian R. Burger

Contractors should understand all project risks to ensure efficiency and profitability – including those associated with IT systems and technology tools. Learn to identify, quantify, and mitigate potential risks.

C195 Social Media: Don’t Miss the Opportunities by Carol E. Hagen

This article focuses on specific social media channels (such as LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) that your company can use to help achieve its goals and extend its reach.

CFMA’s Financial Survey FS22 2010 Financial Survey Hot Topic: What’s New for the Economy? by Michael J. Ellis

According to CFMA’s 2010 Survey results, the long, slow climb out of the recession continues. Discover what (and how) your peers are doing in such areas as operational changes, green building, and policy decisions.

FS23 2010 Annual Financial Survey: Executive Summary by Cherie J. Townsend & Michael J. Ellis

Don’t miss the Executive Summary from CFMA’s 2010 Construction Industry Annual Financial Survey, which includes “Comparative Financial Data” for all companies as a preview of what appears in the entire report.

FS24 2011 Financial Survey Hot Topic: Solutions from a Tough Economy by Michael J. Ellis & Colleen Rozillis

This year’s Hot Topic respondents identified the top cost-reduction and revenue-boosting strategies from the past three years and revealed the effectiveness of each.

FS25 2011 Annual Financial Survey: Executive Summary by Michael J. Ellis & Colleen Rozillis

Don’t miss the “Executive Summary” from CFMA’s 2011 Construction Industry Annual Financial Survey, which includes the “Comparative Financial Data” for all companies.

Legal Issues L73 What to Look for in a Construction Lawyer by Susan L. McGreevy

Your company’s lawyer handles its most complex, confidential, and complicated matters. To find the best fit for your company: Know your legal needs; research potential candidates’ histories, experiences, and fees; and know what questions to ask.

L74 Factoring Receivables: Consider Potential Problems & Pitfalls by Todd A. Jones

Factoring can be an alternate financing option for contractors that cannot obtain traditional funding. However, there are many risks involved. Read more on this controversial topic in a conversation between a lawyer and a factor.

L75 Lien Laws & Out-of-State Projects: A Little Research Goes a Long Way by Lee A. Weintraub

If your company has considered performing work outside its home state, make sure you know the out-of-state lien laws to avoid costly surprises. Discover why it’s important to know the variations in lien laws, from verbal contracts to pay-if-paid clauses to lien foreclosure actions.

L76 The High Cost of Noncompliance: Can Your Company Afford It? by Eric P. Berezin & Antony L. Sanacory

Learn about several OSHA enforcement initiatives and compliance tips to ensure a safer workplace, reduced lost-work time and workers’ comp costs, increased employee morale and productivity, and reduced exposure to OSHA inspections and penalties.

L77 Additional Insured Endorsements: Eight Potential Hurdles for Contractors by Diane M. Bureman

To help your company avoid unexpected financial loss, read about eight consistent areas of concern for contractors regarding general liability additional insured endorsements.

L78 What Project Lenders Want: How Much Is Too Much? by Susan L. McGreevy

Understand what’s included in a “Collateral Assignment of Construction Contract” so that you can address any potential issues before you sign.

L79 Construction Challenges of the New ACORD 25 by Sean H. Brogan, A. Peter Prinsen & Richard H. Lowe

The new ACORD 25 now states that notice of cancellation is solely governed by the terms of the insurance policy. These authors explore the implications of this change.

L80 It Ain’t Easy Building Green by Steven D. Ginsburg & Antony L. Sanacory

Increased interest in energy efficiency has led many state and local governments (and even the federal government) to require that new construction meet green building or LEED standards. However, such events as a lawsuit against the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have challenged the actual benefits of LEED-certified buildings. Learn what the possible repercussions could mean for the industry, as well as contracting exposures to avoid.

L81 Prequalification from the Subcontractor’s Point of View by David A. Walls


L82 FAR Ethics & Compliance Requirements: A Checklist for Success by Dirk D. Haire & Farah A. Shah

Follow this checklist approach to federal ethics and compliance requirements to avoid costly mistakes.

Management & Leadership M154 Six Best Practices for Surviving the Recession by Brian M. Andrew


M155 What to Look for in a Construction CPA by Todd F. Taggart & Danny B. Parrish


M156 What to Look for in a Construction Lawyer by Susan L. McGreevy


M157 Leaving Your Home State: Communication Is Key by Gretchen J. Kelly

When your company performs work in new geographic locations, effective communication among its departments is key. From prebid to postcompletion, learn how to avoid costly mistakes.

M158 Human Capital Management: The Heart of Your Company by Victoria Satran


M159 Sustaining Employee Engagement: Racing Toward the Future by Rachel M. Hammond

Discover how communication, recognition, and training strategies can increase productivity and improve your company’s bottom line.

M160 The CFM’s Role in Business Succession Planning by Elaine J. Ervin & Dan Gaffney

Does your company have a well-defined plan for when its ownership changes? Do you know what your role is in creating and implementing such a plan? If your answers are “no,” be sure to read this article, which includes an informative sidebar on “Fifteen Succession Questions” to consider.

M161 Zero Disruptions: Preparing for Unexpected Business Interruptions & Protecting Your Assets by Calvin E. Beyer & Brian J. Cooney

Would your company be able to continue its operations in the event of a natural disaster? Is there a contingency plan in place if its network crashed? Learn about the origin, vision, and philosophy of Zero Disruptions, and then evaluate your company’s ability to prevent potential crises.

M162 Contractor Ethics: A Preventative Approach by Christopher G. Bauer

Compliance may be the buzzword, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to ethical behavior. This article addresses the differences between following rules and creating a culture of ethics. The Sample Values Statement can help your company with its own values statement.

M163 Recruit & Retain Generation Y: Technology Is Key by Steven L. Hathaway Since the tech-savvy Generation Y will be the foundation of the future workforce, it’s important that contractors embrace technology to successfully recruit and retain this generation’s top talent. M164 90 Days to Transform Your Safety Culture

by Patricia Kagerer & Grace Gandarilla Safety management is paramount to a contractor’s success, so it’s imperative to evaluate your company’s safety culture. These experts guide you through a 90-day transformation process, which begins with a vision that leads to a dynamic safety program you and your team can believe in and achieve together.

M165 A Smarter Way to Network by Robert Cross & Robert Thomas

The authors of this Harvard Business Review reprint present a new model for building your social network. Focused on people – not technology – this model calls for high-quality relationships with industry peers, co-workers up and down the corporate ladder, and the people in our personal lives. Learn the four-step process to develop this type of social network, six critical kinds of connections to make, as well as common networking traps to avoid.

Personnel & Benefits Issues P109 What to Look for in a Construction CPA by Todd F. Taggart & Danny B. Parrish


P110 What to Look for in a Construction Lawyer by Susan L. McGreevy


P111 2011 Contractor Executive Pay by Jeffrey M. Robinson

Even in a tough economy, a competitive compensation package is key to retaining top performers and recruiting new employees. Check out current executive compensation levels, with six new titles added to the traditional mix. A focus on CFO base pay and bonus practices is also included.

P112 Are You a Good Boss – or a Great One? by Linda A. Hill & Kent Lineback

Managing yourself, your network, and your team are three imperatives to becoming a great leader, according to the authors of this Harvard Business Review reprint. Be sure to the take the self-evaluation, “Measuring Yourself on the Three Imperatives” in this article to find out your strengths and weaknesses.

P113 Human Capital Management: The Heart of Your Company by Victoria Satran


P114 Sustaining Employee Engagement: Racing Toward the Future by Rachel M. Hammond


P115 The CFM’s Role in Business Succession Planning by Elaine J. Ervin & Dan Gaffney

Does your company have a well-defined plan for when its ownership changes? Do you know what your role is in creating and implementing such a plan? If your answers are “no,” be sure to read this article, which includes an informative sidebar on “Fifteen Succession Questions” to consider.

P116 IRS & DOL Compliance for 401k Plan Sponsors by Valerie A. Hampton & Shane E. Brown

This article will help plan sponsors know what types of IRS and DOL correction programs are available to help mitigate, reduce, and possibly avoid costly mistakes associated with compliance.

P117 2011 Staff Level Compensation

by Jeffrey M. Robinson This article reviews contractor pay projections for staff level compensation, with a focus on bonus rates, cost of living vs. actual salary, and change in salary over several years’ time.

P118 Contractor Ethics: A Preventative Approach by Christopher G. Bauer


P119 Recruit & Retain Generation Y: Technology Is Key by Steven L. Hathaway Since the tech-savvy Generation Y will be the foundation of the future workforce, it’s important that contractors embrace technology to successfully recruit and retain this generation’s top talent. P120 90 Days to Transform Your Safety Culture


P121 The High Cost of Noncompliance: Can Your Company Afford It? by Eric P. Berezin & Antony L. Sanacory


Productivity Tools PT139 Six Best Practices for Surviving the Recession by Brian M. Andrew


PT140 The Cost of Money: Factoring Working Capital by Earl Harper

Factoring is an alternative source of working capital for some contractors that aren’t able to obtain traditional financing. Learn the benefits and risks of this strategy, including the difference between borrowing and factoring, the reasons for resistance to this method, and descriptions of the costs involved.

PT141 Leaving Your Home State: Communication Is Key by Gretchen J. Kelly

When your company performs work in new geographic locations, effective communication among its departments is key. From prebid to postcompletion, learn how to avoid costly mistakes.

PT142 A Primer: Building Your Loan & Working with Your Lender by Michael L. Gentry

When obtaining a loan, be prepared and keep the lines of communication open. Find out what should be included in a loan information package, what types of loans are available, and why it’s important to have an expert review the fine print.

PT143 Are You a Good Boss – or a Great One? by Linda A. Hill & Kent Lineback

Managing yourself, your network, and your team are three imperatives to becoming a great leader, according to the authors of this Harvard Business Review reprint. Be sure to the take the self-evaluation, “Measuring Yourself on the Three Imperatives” in this article to find out your strengths and weaknesses.

PT144 Human Capital Management: The Heart of Your Company by Victoria Satran


PT145 Sustaining Employee Engagement: Racing Toward the Future by Rachel M. Hammond


PT146 Zero Disruptions: Preparing for Unexpected Business Interruptions & Protecting Your Assets by Calvin E. Beyer & Brian J. Cooney


PT147 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by Anthony R. Stagliano


PT148 Business Process Re-Engineering by Douglas C. Nichols

Learn how to effectively re-engineer business processes with the proper team, tools, and resources to realize financial benefits for your company.

PT149 Beyond Virtualization: Moving from Remote Access to True Collaboration by John Chaney

With project information becoming more readily available to all participants than ever before, it’s important for CFMs to learn about new technologies that will allow true project collaboration to become a reality. This article provides insight into these new practices within the construction industry.

PT150 Future Proofing by Bassem S. Hamdy

Is your company future proofed? Ensure your company maintains a competitive edge in the future by implementing business processes and technologies now. Don’t miss the Future Proofing Questionnaire to evaluate your company’s level of future proofing.

PT151 A New Take on the Backseat Driver by Christopher M. Hayes

To support good driving behavior, employers are turning to telematic technology to manage their fleets. Discover the capabilities of telematics, read about their effectiveness, and identify elements of a company-developed system to get the most out of this technology.

PT152 The Life of a Construction Document Using ECM by Bruce Williams

Follow a construction document’s life cycle through an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution and discover the productivity and efficiency benefits of ECM.

PT153 90 Days to Transform Your Safety Culture


PT154 A Smarter Way to Network by Robert Cross & Robert Thomas

The authors of this Harvard Business Review reprint present a new model for building your social network. Focused on people – not technology – this model calls for high-quality relationships with industry peers, co-workers up and down the corporate ladder, and the people in our personal lives. Learn the four-step process to develop this type of social network, six critical kinds of connections to make, as well as common networking traps to avoid.

PT155 Prequalification from the Subcontractor’s Point of View by David A. Walls


PT156 Using Job Cost Reporting to Mitigate Risk & Improve Profitability by William M. Kerns


PT157 Social Media: Don’t Miss the Opportunities by Carol E. Hagen

This article focuses on specific social media channels (such as LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, etc.) that your company can use to help achieve its goals and extend its reach.

Risk Management R181 IRS & DOL Compliance for 401k Plan Sponsors by Valerie A. Hampton & Shane E. Brown

This article will help plan sponsors know what types of IRS and DOL correction programs are available to help mitigate, reduce, and possibly avoid costly mistakes associated with compliance.

R182 Zero Disruptions: Preparing for Unexpected Business Interruptions & Protecting Your Assets by Calvin E. Beyer & Brian J. Cooney


R183 Contractor Ethics: A Preventative Approach by Christopher G. Bauer


R184 Guard Against Cyber Theft: Protect Your Company’s Financial Assets by Tommie W. Singleton & Steven J. Ursillo, Jr.

Become informed about electronic funds transfer (EFT) fraud, which affects mostly small to medium-sized businesses. This article demonstrates the nature of the crime and how companies can protect themselves against it.

R185 Hidden Dangers of Information Governance by Kristin L. Farnen

All companies should have a document retention policy that provides guidelines on retention and destruction of company information. Find out why keeping (or tossing) too much information can be costly and dangerous.

R186 90 Days to Transform Your Safety Culture by Patricia Kagerer & Grace Gandarilla

Safety management is paramount to a contractor’s success, so it’s imperative to evaluate your company’s safety culture. These experts guide you through a 90-day transformation process, which begins with a vision that leads to a dynamic safety program you and your team can believe in and achieve together.

R187 The High Cost of Noncompliance: Can Your Company Afford It? by Eric P. Berezin & Antony L. Sanacory


R188 Additional Insured Endorsements: Eight Potential Hurdles for Contractors by Diane M. Bureman

To help your company avoid unexpected financial loss, read about eight consistent areas of concern for contractors regarding general liability additional insured endorsements.

R189 What Project Lenders Want: How Much Is Too Much? by Susan L. McGreevy

Understand what’s included in a “Collateral Assignment of Construction Contract” so that you can address any potential issues before you sign.

R190 11 Strategies to Build & Maintain Surety Relationships in a Changing Market by James L. Bly & J. Andrew Brach

A healthy relationship with your surety in the current construction market is a must. Find out how to strengthen yours.

R191 Construction Challenges of the New ACORD 25 by Sean H. Brogan, A. Peter Prinsen & Richard H. Lowe

The new ACORD 25 now states that notice of cancellation is solely governed by the terms of the insurance policy. These authors explore the implications of this change.

R192 Inherent Risks of IT Systems & Technology Tools by Christian R. Burger

Contractors should understand all project risks to ensure efficiency and profitability – including those associated with IT systems and technology tools. Learn to identify, quantify, and mitigate potential risks.

R193 It Ain’t Easy Building Green by Steven D. Ginsburg & Antony L. Sanacory

Increased interest in energy efficiency has led many state and local governments (and even the federal government) to require that new construction meet green building or LEED standards. However, such events as a lawsuit against the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have challenged the actual benefits of LEED-certified buildings. Learn what the possible repercussions could mean for the industry, as well as contracting exposures to avoid.

R194 Using Job Cost Reporting to Mitigate Risk & Improve Profitability by William M. Kerns


R195 FAR Ethics & Compliance Requirements: A Checklist for Success by Dirk D. Haire & Farah A. Shah Follow this checklist approach to federal ethics and compliance requirements to avoid costly mistakes.

Surety S34 11 Strategies to Build & Maintain Surety Relationships in a Changing Market by James L. Bly & J. Andrew Brach

A healthy relationship with your surety in the current construction market is a must. Find out how to strengthen yours.

Tax & Legislative Issues T144 Small Business Job Acts of 2010: What CFMs Need to Know by Norman L. Myers, II

The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 was designed to help small businesses in a variety of tax areas. However, there are some increased reporting items and penalties of which to be aware. Find out about such changes as the reclassification of cell phones and other telecommunications equipment, built-in gains relief, increased §179 deductions, extended bonus deprecation, and more.

T145 Lien Laws & Out-of-State Projects: A Little Research Goes a Long Way by Lee A. Weintraub

If your company has considered performing work outside its home state, make sure you know the out-of-state lien laws to avoid costly surprises. Discover why it’s important to know the variations in lien laws, from verbal contracts to pay-if-paid clauses to lien foreclosure actions.

T146 Tax Update: What’s in the Works? by Robin A. Word

Recent Congressional activity could significantly impact construction, including the 3% government withholding provision and the creation of The American Job Builders Tax Reform Act of 2011.

T147 Bracing for Change: Tax & Spending Reform on the Horizon

by Jeffrey Kummer & Alexander J. Brosseau As lawmakers attempt to address our country’s fiscal challenges, contractors should plan and prepare for inevitable changes ahead.

T148 Research Tax Credits Within the Construction Industry by John Colwell & Brian J. Shin

Learn about the Research & Experimentation (R&E) Credit and the steps contractors can take to benefit from this incentive.


Accounting & Reporting

A135 Updating/Improving SOP 81-1 & the AICPA Audit & Accounting Guide – Construction Contractors by Robert A. Davidson This construction industry veteran describes some of the major areas of SOP 81-1 and the Guide that are outdated, although they’ve stood as industry standards for more than two decades

A136 Practical, Often Overlooked Accounting Strategies to Implement in 2010 by Peter Ryan & D. Brian Bastis This back-to-basics article spells out how to help your company improve its bottom line. You’ll learn how to evaluate projects and clients, streamline operations and equipment, effectively manage your staff, and maintain key relationships.

A137 Four Valuation Methods for Private Construction Companies by Jason Munoz This article presents the technical aspects of the four valuation methods for privately held companies: Comparable Company Analysis, Comparable Acquisitions Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, and Leveraged Buyout Analysis.

A138 Improving the Collections of Receivables: Strategies & Experiences of an Attorney by Antony L. Sanacory Litigation is often unavoidable in construction. However, there are ways to improve your company’s A/R collections that will help minimize its losses. Learn what you should do before a project begins, how to react when things go wrong, and why it’s important to track your collection improvements.

A139 A CFM’s Guide to Outside Capital: Uses, Forms, Advantages & Disadvantages by Aaron B. Bachik Is your company in need of additional capital? If so, do you know the types available, and the pros and cons of each? Find out if senior debt, subordinated debt, or institutional private equity is the right source for your company’s capital needs.

A140 How Production Tracking Improves Profitability by David Brown Production tracking is most efficient when evaluated at the field level. So, once you have a handle on how production actually works in the field, you can begin to build, test, and continuously improve your new production tracking model.

A141 Under Construction: The FASB/IASB Revenue Recognition Project by Michael J. Sobolewski, H. Kent Goetjen & Dusty C. Stallings FASB and IASB are working to produce a new set of accounting standards that include revenue recognition. Take a look at the details of the proposed model and learn how these changes could impact your company and our industry.

A142 Lease Accounting Update for Contractors by Shane E. Brown & Christopher A. Banks This article walks you through FASB’s Exposure Draft of the Proposed Accounting Standards Update to Leases and their impact on the construction industry.

A143 Financing Energy Projects Through Government Incentives by David R. Cook & Roland F. Hall ARRA has made $42 billion in federal funding available for energy projects, distributed through several different agencies. Learn more about these sources of funding, as well as the tax incentives that come with energy projects.

Cash Management

CM54 Four Valuation Methods for Private Construction Companies by Jason Munoz This article presents the technical aspects of the four valuation methods for privately held companies: Comparable Company Analysis, Comparable Acquisitions Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, and Leveraged Buyout Analysis.

CM55 Do You Really Know What Your Data Is Telling You? by David L. Bennett Data is only beneficial if you know how to organize it and then apply it to optimizing your operations. See how technology can help you understand true job costs, improve cash flow, and keep your company’s financials in the black.

CM56 Financing Energy Projects Through Government Incentives by David R. Cook & Roland F. Hall ARRA has made $42 billion in federal funding available for energy projects, distributed through several different agencies. Learn more about these sources of funding, as well as the tax incentives that come with energy projects.

CM57 Factoring: A Source of Working Capital for Contractors by Earl Harper Learn how factoring can provide an alternative source of working capital, and read about the experience of a GC and subcontractor.

Computers & Technology C176 Expect the Unexpected When Your Company Employs Manual Processes

by James R. Wenninger & Sandra A. Wyman Integrated software solutions help streamline such manual processes as tracking committed costs, blanket POs, lien wavers, etc. As a result, companies experience increased productivity and accuracy in real time.

C177 How Production Tracking Improves Profitability by David Brown Production tracking is most efficient when evaluated at the field level. So, once you have a handle on how production actually works in the field, you can begin to build, test, and continuously improve your new production tracking model.

C178 How to Create Multiple Equipment Profit Centers by John Meibers This article explains how to manage equipment tracking with precision and accuracy so that you know how much profit is earned or lost. Find out what factors affect profitability, as well as which type of technology solution is good, better, and best.

C179 Software Implementation: Why Users Are the Key to Success by Fred J. Ode Learn the right way to implement new software before your company invests its precious time, money, and resources. Also, find out why you must include your end users every step of the way.

C180 Specialty Contractors in 2010: Technology to Drive Growth by Victoria Satran Technology has become an integral part of subcontractor operations. Learn about the seven key technologies that can benefit specialty contractors in a variety of areas.

C181 How to Manage IT Directors in 2010 & Beyond by Christian Burger IT demands have changed dramatically over the past two decades – and so has the role of IT Director. If it’s time to reevaluate your company’s IT needs, use this article to review the organizational, management, and communication skills required of these professionals in today’s world.

C182 Using Business Intelligence Tools to Drive Real Process Improvement by Thomas Cobb This article details how business intelligence (BI) tools can produce better information using your current software systems.

C183 Better Project Forecasting for Your Company by Todd R. Griffith What information should be included in your project forecasts, and how can technology help? Get these answers and more from this insightful article.

C184 Do You Really Know What Your Data Is Telling You? by David L. Bennett Data is only beneficial if you know how to organize it and then apply it to optimizing your operations. See how technology can help you understand true job costs, improve cash flow, and keep your company’s financials in the black.

Legal Issues

L65 Understanding Contractor Rights & Risks on Owner-Suspended Projects by Richard J. Wittbrodt & Lynsey M. Eaton Unfortunately, project suspensions have become more common these days. Contractors must know what risks can be covered and what costs can be recovered – and what cannot. So, it’s imperative to pay close attention to contract documents and the specific language contained therein.

L66 Protect Your Construction Claims: Proper Documentation – A Must! by Jeffrey D. Firestone & Andrew J. Natale The facts of a case don’t solely determine who wins and who loses – documentation also plays a major role. So, don’t let your company’s profitability suffer because of poor documentation.

L67 Has Your Company’s Fraud IQ Kept Pace with Its Fraud Risk? by Marc W. Courey Reduced staff, fewer controls, and heightened pressures increase a company’s exposure to occupational fraud. Learn about the Fraud Triangle that explains how circumstances combine to encourage fraud in the workplace.

L68 Improving the Collections of Receivables: Strategies & Experiences of an Attorney by Antony L. Sanacory Litigation is often unavoidable in construction. However, there are ways to improve your company’s A/R collections that will help minimize its losses. Learn what you should do before a project begins, how to react when things go wrong, and why it’s important to track your collection improvements.

L69 Which Insurer Pays? The Horizontal/Vertical Exhaustion Debate by Jeffrey J. Vita & David G. Jordan In order to determine which form of payment reigns (horizontal vs. vertical exhaustion), you must first know which language determines the outcome: the excess insurance policy of the trade agreement. So, it’s important to know the legal boundaries surrounding each construction project, in the event a loss occurs.

L70 Surviving a Slow Economy: Surety & Banking Best Practices by Michael J. Mitchell Until times get better, discover how to avoid bad decisions – especially in your company’s relationships with sureties and bankers. Learn about unfavorable contract terms and conditions, in addition to “onerous” bond language.

L71 Insurance Strategies for Construction Joint Ventures by Dennis M. Tsonis This articles reviews three joint venture strategies, in addition to premium audit, completed operations, additional insured, and workers’ comp considerations.

L72 Demystifying Construction Contracts for the Next Wave of Construction Projects by Antony L. Sanacory The contract documents determine how the owner and contractors allocate risk, yet, for many contractors, a number of important provisions go unexamined. This article discusses several pitfalls and provides a contract grid that can be used as a checklist during the contracting phrase.


M145 The Impact of Crisis Management on Corporate Reputation by Calvin E. Beyer This article takes you through the threat of reputation risk, crisis prevention vs. risk management, strategic assets vs. strategic risk, the halo vs. black eye effect, reputation as the ultimate indirect cost, how to use reputation management to build a competitive advantage, and more.

M146 How to Survive & Thrive Amid Economic Uncertainty by Elaine J. Ervin & Anthony R. Stagliano The national economy may be slowly turning around, but that’s not necessarily true for construction. How can your company prepare for when our industry does rebound?

M147 Strategic Planning in a Down Economy – Yes, Now! by Thomas W. Emison Don’t miss the five reasons why your company should focus on strategic planning – even though backlogs are low (or nonexistent) and the industry is struggling to recover from the Great Recession.

M148 The Ultimate Checklist: Prevent Contractor Failure Before It Happens by David W. Gresham Don’t let your company’s financial health suffer unnecessarily. Learn about the external, financial, managerial, and operational causes of failure, and what financial and operational dangers exist. Then, compare your company profile to that of a successful contractor.

M149 Construction Business Planning in a Tough Economy by Jonathan Nobis & Kenneth Julien Planning in tough times is not news – especially in the Great Recession. Follow the authors’ steps to create and implement a business plan that could help your company survive.

M150 When You’re Out of Options: Key Financial Metrics for Downsizing by Owen Cavanaugh Sometimes downsizing is a must for company survival. Learn how to evaluate your company’s financial metrics, develop a new operational budget, and retain key employees for when the market rebounds.

M151 The Top Five Change Factors for the Remainder of 2010 by Laura B. Culp Change is scary, but necessary. In a world of ever-changing factors, it’s imperative to adapt and adjust your company’s procedures and processes in order to survive. Learn how to address these five change factors during the remainder of 2010.

M152 How to Manage IT Directors in 2010 & Beyond by Christian Burger IT demands have changed dramatically over the past two decades – and so has the role of IT Director. If it’s time to reevaluate your company’s IT needs, use this article to review the organizational, management, and communication skills required of these professionals in today’s world.

M153 Education Across Cultures by Patricia Kagerer & Grace Gandarilla The face of the construction industry has changed. This article explores the Hispanic culture, predominant in the construction industry, and specifies best practices that can improve jobsite productivity, develop respect, and empower Hispanic leaders.

Personnel & Benefits Issues

P105 How Gen Ys & Boomers Will Reshape Your Agenda by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Laura Sherbin & Karen Sumberg It may come as a surprise, but Gen Ys and Boomers generally seek similar benefits from their employers – and it’s not all about the money. Take a look at what several corporations have done to accommodate these cohorts in their workforce, and learn from their best efforts.

P106 401k Fiduciary Responsibilities: Prudent Investment Practices, Part II by Paul L. Powell Part II of this series defines the contents of an IPS and details how it should be followed; reviews the differences among asset clauses and the proper index to use as a benchmark; and outlines investment selection criteria.

P107 When You’re Out of Options: Key Financial Metrics for Downsizing by Owen Cavanaugh Sometimes downsizing is a must for company survival. Learn how to evaluate your company’s financial metrics, develop a new operational budget, and retain key employees for when the market rebounds.

P108 How to Manage IT Directors in 2010 & Beyond by Christian Burger IT demands have changed dramatically over the past two decades – and so has the role of IT Director. If it’s time to reevaluate your company’s IT needs, use this article to review the organizational, management, and communication skills required of these professionals in today’s world.

Productivity Tools

PT123 How to Survive & Thrive Amid Economic Uncertainty by Elaine J. Ervin & Anthony R. Stagliano The national economy may be slowly turning around, but that’s not necessarily true for construction. How can your company prepare for when our industry does rebound? Learn the answer in this insightful article.

PT124 Expect the Unexpected When Your Company Employs Manual Processes by James R. Wenninger & Sandra A. Wyman Integrated software solutions help streamline such manual processes as tracking committed costs, blanket POs, lien wavers, etc. As a result, companies experience increased productivity and accuracy in real time.

PT125 Strategic Planning in a Down Economy – Yes, Now! by Thomas W. Emison Don’t miss the five reasons why your company should focus on strategic planning – even though backlogs are low (or nonexistent) and the industry is struggling to recover from the Great Recession.

PT126 Construction Business Planning in a Tough Economy by Jonathan Nobis & Kenneth Julien Planning in tough times is not news – especially in the Great Recession. Follow the authors’ steps to create and implement a business plan that could help your company survive.

PT127 How Production Tracking Improves Profitability by David Brown Production tracking is most efficient when evaluated at the field level. So, once you have a handle on how production actually works in the field, you can begin to build, test, and continuously improve your new production-tracking model.

PT128 The Top Five Change Factors for the Remainder of 2010 by Laura B. Culp Change is scary, but necessary. In a world of ever-changing factors, it’s imperative to adapt and adjust your company’s procedures and processes in order to survive. Learn how to address these five change factors during the remainder of 2010.

PT129 How to Create Multiple Equipment Profit Centers by John Meibers This article explains how to manage equipment tracking with precision and accuracy so that you know how much profit is earned or lost. Find out what factors affect profitability, as well as which type of technology solution is good, better, and best.

PT130 The Art of Measuring Results by Jay Haladay & David DeRego It’s easy to benchmark objective data, but your company should be comparing harder-to-quantify subjective data, as well. This article presents keys to better productivity and success with information on both categories.

PT131 Prequalification Management: Reduce Risk & Get Work by Herbert W. Brownett GCs and subcontractors both rely on prequalification, but for very different reasons. Discover how both groups can benefit from a Web-based prequalification process.

PT132 Specialty Contractors in 2010: Technology to Drive Growth by Victoria Satran Technology has become an integral part of subcontractor operations. Learn about the seven key technologies that can benefit specialty contractors in a variety of areas.

PT133 Using Business Intelligence Tools to Drive Real Process Improvement by Thomas Cobb This article details how business intelligence (BI) tools can produce better information using your current software systems.

PT134 Do You Really Know What Your Data Is Telling You? by David L. Bennett Data is only beneficial if you know how to organize it and then apply it to optimizing your operations. See how technology can help you understand true job costs, improve cash flow, and keep your company’s financials in the black.

PT135 Supply Chain Risk Management: Protecting Profitability from Disruption & Disasters by Calvin E. Beyer & Linda Conrad This article details the unique challenges our industry faces with supply chain risk management, and the strategies that your company can employ to minimize its exposure.

PT136 A Primer on Controlled Insurance Programs by Hallie Miller Fahey & Michael D. Hastings Controlled insurance programs can be an effective cost-saving solution. This article reviews the basic elements, concepts, and variations needed for a successful implementation.

PT137 Education Across Cultures by Patricia Kagerer & Grace Gandarilla The face of the construction industry has changed. This article explores the Hispanic culture, predominant in the construction industry, and specifies best practices that can improve jobsite productivity, develop respect, and empower Hispanic leaders.

PT138 A Study of the Construction Industry Ecosystem by Kent Beachy Today’s political and economic climate has created survival challenges for contractors. Similar to an ecosystem, the construction industry has interdependent parts. Learn how these parts work together to help your company succeed.

Risk Management

R167 The Impact of Crisis Management on Corporate Reputation by Calvin E. Beyer This article takes you through the threat of reputation risk, crisis prevention vs. risk management, strategic assets vs. strategic risk, the halo vs. black eye effect, reputation as the ultimate indirect cost, how to use reputation management to build a competitive advantage, and more.

R168 Building a Safety Process from Scratch by Patricia Kagerer This article reveals the level of detail required to create a successful safety process for your company – one that can protect your workers and improve your bottom line.

R169 Has Your Company’s Fraud IQ Kept Pace with Its Fraud Risk? by Marc W. Courey Reduced staff, fewer controls, and heightened pressures increase a company’s exposure to occupational fraud. Learn about the Fraud Triangle that explains how circumstances combine to encourage fraud in the workplace.

R170 Prequalification Management: Reduce Risk & Get Work by Herbert W. Brownett GCs and subcontractors both rely on prequalification, but for very different reasons. Discover how both groups can benefit from a Web-based prequalification process.

R171 Which Insurer Pays? The Horizontal/Vertical Exhaustion Debate by Jeffrey J. Vita & David G. Jordan In order to determine which form of payment reigns (horizontal vs. vertical exhaustion), you must first know which language determines the outcome: the excess insurance policy of the trade agreement. So, it’s important to know the legal boundaries surrounding each construction project, in the event a loss occurs.

R172 Supply Chain Risk Management: Protecting Profitability from Disruption & Disasters by Calvin Beyer & Linda Conrad This article details the unique challenges our industry faces with supply chain risk management, and the strategies that your company can employ to minimize its exposure.

R173 Coming to America: Risk Implications for IDP & PPP Delivery Systems by Jim Conroy & Tim Kania Long used by private and public project owners, the design-bid-build approach to project delivery has inherent shortfalls, but so do two alternative delivery methods: Integrated Project Delivery and Public-Private Partnerships. Learn about their benefits and risks.

R174 Surviving a Slow Economy: Surety & Banking Best Practices by Michael J. Mitchell Until times get better, discover how to avoid bad decisions – especially in your company’s relationships with sureties and bankers. Learn about unfavorable contract terms and conditions, in addition to “onerous” bond language.

R175 Insurance Strategies for Construction Joint Ventures by Dennis M. Tsonis This articles reviews three joint venture strategies, in addition to premium audit, completed operations, additional insured, and workers’ comp considerations.

R176 A Primer on Controlled Insurance Programs by Hallie Miller Fahey & Michael D. Hastings Controlled insurance programs can be an effective cost-saving solution. This article reviews the basic elements, concepts, and variations needed for a successful implementation.

R177 Green Construction: Will Your Company “LEED” or Follow? by Philip K. Glick It’s clear that green building is here to stay. It important that you know the benefits of LEED construction, learn what can go wrong, and get the details on how to insure against the risks – including new coverages that are available.

R178 Demystifying Construction Contracts for the Next Wave of Construction Projects by Antony L. Sanacory The contract documents determine how the owner and contractors allocate risk, yet, for many contractors, a number of important provisions go unexamined. This article discusses several pitfalls and provides a contract grid that can be used as a checklist during the contracting phrase.

R179 Education Across Cultures by Patricia Kagerer & Grace Gandarilla The face of the construction industry has changed. This article explores the Hispanic culture, predominant in the construction industry, and specifies best practices that can improve jobsite productivity, develop respect, and empower Hispanic leaders.

R180 The Ultimate Checklist: Prevent Contractor Failure Before It Happens by David W. Gresham Don’t let your company’s financial health suffer unnecessarily. Learn about the external, financial, managerial, and operational causes of failure, and what financial and operational dangers exist. Then, compare your company profile to that of a successful contractor.

Tax & Legislative Issues

T140 New NOL Tax Provisions: Their Impact on Construction Companies by René M. Cameron The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-92) provides some welcome tax opportunities for contractors. Learn about the issues to consider and how to maximize this provision – and remember to always consult your tax professional before filing.

T141 The Income Tax Treatment of Cancellation of Debt Income by Steven R. Glover This article summarizes the federal tax rules that apply under IRC §108 regarding income non-recognition or deferment upon debt cancellation.

T142 IRS Tells Auditors: Ignore Proposed Regulations When Auditing Contractors by Rich Shavell CFMA, ABC, and AGC sent two letters to the IRS regarding the status of the Proposed Regulations for HCCs and other issues that impact the CCM. Find out where the IRS stands, what’s expected, and what auditors have been told to do in the meantime.

T143 Financing Energy Projects Through Government Incentives by David R. Cook & Roland F. Hall ARRA has made $42 billion in federal funding available for energy projects, distributed through several different agencies. Learn more about these sources of funding, as well as the tax incentives that come with energy projects.

2009 EDITORIAL INDEX Accounting & Reporting

A129 IFRS: What’s in Store for Accountants & Contractors? by Jerry T. Henderson, Jr. U.S. GAAP vs. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – take a look at what the future might hold, and the consequences of an international convergence.

A130 Accounting Standards Codification: A Primer by Eric P. Wallace FAS, FIN, SOP – oh my! Learn about the “ins and outs” of FASB’s Codification.

A131 Contractor Tax Accounting Methods: Critical Choices by Eric P. Wallace As your company changes in size and the type of contracts it performs, so might its method of accounting. Take a look at the rules and regulations that govern if, when, and how your company must switch.

A132 Taking the Mystery Out of Construction Accounting by Richard L. Werner Learn how to decipher the connection and correlation between operating profit, project gross profit, project revenue earned, project overbilling and underbilling, and many other aspects of construction accounting.

A133 CFMA Comments on: FASB’s Preliminary Views on Revenue Recognition in Contracts with Customers by CFMA CFMA submitted a comment letter to FASB taking a position on this extremely critical topic. Here is the response as developed by CFMA’s Accounting & Reporting Emerging Issues Subcommittee.

A134 How ARRA Affects Contractors – Opportunities & Risks by Dorri C. McWhorter & Bert G. Nuehring Before jumping on the government contract bandwagon, ensure that your company follows all requirements for reporting and compliance set forth in the Recovery Act and FARs. And, follow a six-step proactive program to reduce your company’s risk of noncompliance.

Cash Management

CM51 Cash Flow Formula, Part 1: How to Measure Cash by Steven D. Lords Learn how to accelerate receipts and decelerate payments, as well as how to minimize current assets and maximize current liabilities. And, don’t miss the Basic Cash model – a proven construction-specific formula for managing all assets and liabilities.

CM52 Cash Flow Formula, Part 2: How Operations Impact Cash by Steven D. Lords As a CFM, you’re involved in all aspects of the construction life cycle and have numerous opportunities to significantly impact your company’s cash flow. The second installment in this series describes how and why you should play a major role during each step of the process – and the consequences if you don’t.

CM53 Cash Flow Formula, Part 3: Forecasting Cash by Steven D. Lords In the last installation of this timeless series, find out how to use the Cash Flow Formula to forecast your company’s cash – a critical skill in the current economic environment.

Computers & Technology

C166 Become Audit-Ready with Integrated Systems by Jim Flynn See how integrated software can lessen the burden of financial audit preparation.

C167 Software Implementation Best Practices by Laurence C. True & Kurt M. Koenig Your company can reap great rewards from new and updated enterprise software – if implemented correctly. Learn the important roles that planning, training, communicating, and testing play for your company’s next software implementation.

C168 Taking the Mystery Out of Construction Accounting by Richard L. Werner Learn how to decipher the connection and correlation between operating profit, project gross profit, project revenue earned, project overbilling and underbilling, and many other aspects of construction accounting.

C169 Three Things You Can Learn from Your Software Provider by Brian M. Andrew Have you ever considered your software provider as more than just a vendor? If not, see how you can build, maintain, and make the most of this relationship.

C170 Estimating, Tracking & Forcasting Job Cost through BIM & IPD by Brad Johnson You may have heard of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), but do you know they can help your company’s bottom line? Find out what embracing these technologies can do for your company.

C171 SaaS: An Option to Consider in Today’s Economy by Bassem S. Hamdy SaaS is an alternative to on-premise software and cloud computing. Explore the pros and cons to see if this solution is right for your company’s needs.

C172 “High Availability” IT Strategies Protect Data & Profitability by Roger D. Kirk Find out what types of high availability IT strategies are ideal for your company to avoid the high cost of data recovery after a disaster.

C173 Reduce Risk from Bid to Cash by Leveraging Technology by Cindy Whitner Streamlining your company’s processes using one software solution can have a positive impact on its estimating, project management, and financial management.

C174 How to Turn Your A/P into an Asset by Bud Viancourt Since all companies need cash, you might want to consider an unorthodox source – your A/P. With a little help from technology (specifically, ECM and ERP solutions) and an open mind, you could generate additional cash – and create an advantage over your competitors.

C175 E-Mail: Can’t Live Without It…So Use It Wisely by Fred J. Ode While e-mail is the most common form of communication in today’s business world, it’s not always the best form. Learn when (and when not) to use e-mail, and some best practices to improve its effectiveness.

Legal Issues

L58 Bankruptcy – What to Do When Served with Notice by Todd A. Jones What do you do when your owner, GC, or sub files for bankruptcy? The first article in this series provides details about what to expect and what actions to take should this happen to you.

L59 Subcontractor Preparation for Claims & Litigation by Ronald A. Lundstrom This article stresses the importance of understanding the terms and conditions of your subcontracts. Don’t let your claims be denied because your documentation was insufficient or late.

L60 Ethical Reform for Federal Contractors by Susan L. McGreevy & Kurtis L. John Contractors who perform government contracts must heed new ethical compliance requirements. Review the summary of federal statutes, and learn what programs and guidelines your company must have in place to avoid penalties.

L61 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by Frank E. Riggs, Jr. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to document and demonstrate change order and extra work costs if your company wants to get paid. Learn how you can ensure payment and protect your company from footing unnecessary bills.

L62 Prime Contractor Preparation for Claims & Litigation by Ronald A. Lundstrom A CFM plays the role of “ringmaster” when preparing for claims and litigation. Be sure to know what’s expected and don’t miss the two-page spread on what actions to take, should claims arise.

L63 Bankruptcy: What You Must Know to Protect Your Future by Todd A. Jones & Stephanie L. Owens Bankruptcy is complicated for everyone involved. Find out what to expect under Chapters 11, 13, and 7.

L64 The Potential Impact of ARRA on Construction Business Owners by Adam Bonsky As public works funding increases, your company must stay current with the new regs and required changes in federally funded contracts. Get the details on Executive Orders, compliance issues, and the new E-Verify system.


M131 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs by Calvin E. Beyer This overview explains why it’s important to make room in your schedule for quality control, as construction defect prevention is an important tool to improve your company’s bottom line.

M132 Leading through Tough Times: A Call to Think Differently by Don Blohowiak If your thinking is clouded by negative expectations, it’s time to change. Alter your perspective and find out how to better lead your employees through today’s challenging economy.

M133 Practical Steps to Help Subcontractors Weather Economic Hard Times by Frank E. Riggs, Jr. This article covers what you need to do as a subcontractor’s CFM in order to help your company survive this troubled economy. (Those who work for GCs and sub-subs can also take note.)

M134 The 2009 Economic Stimulus Act: What It Could Mean to You by Jeffrey Kummer Take a closer look at what’s in store for construction, in addition to a summary of other notable and important provisions.

M135 Ethical Reform for Federal Contractors by Susan L. McGreevy & Kurtis L. John Contractors who perform government contracts must heed new ethical compliance requirements. Review the summary of federal statutes, and learn what programs and guidelines your company must have in place to avoid penalties.

M136 Project Financing: Steps to Take & Decisions to Make by J. Sean Spitzer While there are no guarantees in the construction business, follow these steps to understand each project’s financing and learn how to monitor projects as they progress.

M137 Software Implementation Best Practices by Laurence C. True & Kurt M. Koenig Your company can reap great rewards from new and updated enterprise software – if implemented correctly. Learn the important roles that planning, training, communicating, and testing play for your company’s next software implementation.

M138 Crisis Management: The Critical Human Element by Robert Van de Pol & Calvin E. Beyer Tragedy can take many forms and strike at any time. Learn why it’s critical to pay special attention to the human needs of your affected employees – and the specific tools to do so.

M139 Factoring: A Source of Working Capital for Contractors by Earl Harper Discover how factoring can provide an alternative source of working capital, and read about the experiences of a GC and subcontractor.

M140 A Five-Point Strategy for Five-Star Subcontractor Management by Michael S. Culnen Completing a project is a team effort between GCs and subcontractors. Discover what it takes to avoid risks and properly manage these relationships so that everyone wins.

M141 Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis by Ronald Heifetz, Alexander Grashow & Marty Linsky This HBR article demonstrates how to create a culture of a courageous conversations, candor, and risk-taking based on actual corporate examples.

M142 How to Turn Your A/P into an Asset by Bud Viancourt Since all companies need cash, you might want to consider an unorthodox source – your A/P. With a little help from technology (specifically, ECM and ERP solutions) and an open mind, you could generate additional cash – and create an advantage over your competitors.

M143 How We Did It: Subcontractors Share Secrets of Surviving the Recession by David Mendes Veteran subcontractors reveal how they’ve survived not only the current, but also past recessions.

M144 Green: Changing the Way We Do Business by Emily E. Gunther & Steven J. Occhiolini “Going green” is a popular trend these days, and the construction industry is no exception. Find out what opportunities are available and how your company can turn a profit from building green.


P101 2009 Contractor Executive Pay by Jeffrey M. Robinson Even during tough economic times, your company must stay in the game when it comes to executive compensation so your key employees – who you’ll need the most on the upswing – don’t look elsewhere. Check out current executive compensation levels, including CFO salaries by contractor revenue, and predictions about what to expect in the coming year.

P102 2009 Staff Level Compensation by Jeffrey M. Robinson When the going gets tough, the tough keep the salaries of their key staff members competitive. It’s important to retain key employees to ensure your company’s marketshare when the economy rebounds.

P103 The Art of Understanding 401k Plan Fees by Paul L. Powell ERISA’s rules specify the duties and responsibilities of 401k plan sponsors. Read about plan fees, pricing variations, and various forms of revenue sharing before choosing a 401k plan.

P104 401k Fiduciary Responsibilities: Prudent Investment Practices, Part I by Paul L. Powell The first of a two-part series, this article defines what a fiduciary is and explains the attributes, responsibilities, and risks of this important role in the 401k plan selection process.

Productivity Tools

PT100 Cash Flow Formula, Part 1: How to Measure Cash by Steven D. Lords Learn how to accelerate receipts and decelerate payments, as well as how to minimize current assets and maximize current liabilities. And, don’t miss the Basic Cash model – a proven construction-specific formula for managing all assets and liabilities.

PT101 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs by Calvin E. Beyer This overview explains why it’s important to make room in your schedule for quality control, as construction defect prevention is an important tool to improve your company’s bottom line.

PT102 Cash Flow Formula, Part 2: How Operations Impact Cash by Steven D. Lords As a CFM, you’re involved in all aspects of the construction life cycle and have numerous opportunities to significantly impact your company’s cash flow. The second installment in this series describes how and why you should play a major role during each step of the process – and the consequences if you don’t.

PT103 Practical Steps to Help Subcontractors Weather Economic Hard Times by Frank E. Riggs, Jr. This article covers what you need to do as a subcontractor’s CFM in order to help your company survive this troubled economy. (Those who work for GCs and sub-subs can also take note.)

PT104 Cash Flow Formula, Part 3: Forecasting Cash by Steven D. Lords In the last installation of this timeless series, find out how to use the Cash Flow Formula to forecast your company’s cash – a critical skill in the current economic environment.

PT105 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by Frank E. Riggs, Jr. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to document and demonstrate change order and extra work costs if your company wants to get paid. Learn how you can ensure payment and protect your company from footing unnecessary bills.

PT106 How to Allocate Overhead to Improve Profitability by Jerry Henderson This industry veteran presents the allocation of overhead process from a different (and possibly new) perspective for a variety of areas, including interest expense and construction management allocation.

PT107 Percentage-of-Completion Regulations, Exceptions & More by Tanya L. LaCosse When should your company use the PCM? Does it qualify for the small contractor exemption? Or, does one of your projects qualify as an HCC? If you need to understand PCM particulars, then read on.

PT108 Project Financing: Steps to Take & Decisions to Make by J. Sean Spitzer While there are no guarantees in the construction business, follow these steps to understand each project’s financing and learn how to monitor projects as they progress.

PT109 Practical Advice for New CFMs by Patrick A. Cebelak

New CFMs (and those training new CFMs) should follow these steps to make it easier to transition into their new, all-important roles.

PT110 Software Implementation Best Practices by Laurence C. True & Kurt M. Koenig Your company can reap great rewards from new and updated enterprise software – if implemented correctly. Learn the important roles that planning, training, communicating, and testing play for your company’s next software implementation.

PT111 Taking the Mystery Out of Construction Accounting by Richard L. Werner Learn how to decipher the connection and correlation between operating profit, project gross profit, project revenue earned, project overbilling and underbilling, and many other aspects of construction accounting.

PT112 Three Things You Can Learn from Your Software Provider by Brian M. Andrew Have you ever considered your software provider as more than just a vendor? If not, see how you can build, maintain, and make the most of this relationship.

PT113 Estimating, Tracking & Forcasting Job Cost through BIM & IPD by Brad Johnson You may have heard of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), but do you know they can help your company’s bottom line? Find out what embracing these technologies can do for your company.

PT114 SaaS: An Option to Consider in Today’s Economy by Bassem S. Hamdy SaaS is an alternative to on-premise software and cloud computing. Explore the pros and cons to see if this solution is right for your company’s needs.

PT115 “High Availability” IT Strategies Protect Data & Profitability by Roger D. Kirk Find out what types of high availability IT strategies are ideal for your company to avoid the high cost of data recovery after a disaster.

PT116 Best Practices in Risk Management for Contractors Closing or Restarting Projects by Jim Conroy Before your company stops work on a current project or resumes work on a stalled one, know how to protect against the risks and liabilities involved.

PT117 Factoring: A Source of Working Capital for Contractors by Earl Harper Discover how factoring can provide an alternative source of working capital, and read about the experiences of a GC and subcontractor.

PT118 A Five-Point Strategy for Five-Star Subcontractor Management by Michael S. Culnen Completing a project is a team effort between GCs and subcontractors. Discover what it takes to avoid risks and properly manage these relationships so that everyone wins.

PT119 How to Turn Your A/P into an Asset by Bud Viancourt Since all companies need cash, you might want to consider an unorthodox source – your A/P. With a little help from technology (specifically, ECM and ERP solutions) and an open mind, you could generate additional cash – and create an advantage over your competitors.

PT120 The Potential Impact of ARRA on Construction Business Owners by Adam Bonsky As public works funding increases, your company must stay current with the new regs and required changes in federally funded contracts. Get the details on Executive Orders, compliance issues, and the new E-Verify system.

PT121 How We Did It: Subcontractors Share Secrets of Surviving the Recession by David Mendes Veteran subcontractors reveal how they’ve survived not only the current, but also past recessions.

PT122 Green: Changing the Way We Do Business by Emily E. Gunther & Steven J. Occhiolini “Going green” is a popular trend these days, and the construction industry is no exception. Find out what opportunities are available and how your company can turn a profit from building green.

Risk Management

R159 Construction Defects: A Primer for CFMs by Calvin E. Beyer This overview explains why it’s important to make room in your schedule for quality control, as construction defect prevention is an important tool to improve your company’s bottom line.

R160 The Anatomy of the CGL Policy by Wm. Cary Wright With each job come inherent risks. Know your CGL policy’s scope, exclusions, and limiting endorsements before you begin work so you don’t get blindsided by unexpected exposures.

R161 Contractors’ Professional Liability: Identifying & Managing Exposures by Jeffrey M. Slivka These days, contractors are taking on new professional roles and responsibilities, and therefore, new risks. Find out how to identify and mitigate various professional liability exposures.

R162 “High Availability” IT Strategies Protect Data & Profitability by Roger D. Kirk Find out what types of high availability IT strategies are ideal for your company to avoid the high cost of data recovery after a disaster.

R163 How to Cope with the Next Construction Insurance Storm by Philip K. Glick Learn about the likely changes for general liability, auto, umbrella liability, and property insurance coverage. See how your company can better manage, and maybe even avoid, the effects of some of these changes.

R164 Crisis Management: The Critical Human Element by Robert Van de Pol & Calvin E. Beyer Tragedy can take many forms and strike at any time. Learn why it’s critical to pay special attention to the human needs of your affected employees – and the specific tools to do so.

R165 Best Practices in Risk Management for Contractors Closing or Restarting Projects by Jim Conroy Before your company stops work on a current project or resumes work on a stalled one, know how to protect against the risks and liabilities involved.

R166 Get Your Claim Right: Anatomy of a Successful Claim by John J. Stolte, IV Project delays and change orders are inevitable, but how well does your company handle claims? Learn the basics of a claim, how to calculate one, and which costs can be recovered.

Surety

S32 The Economic Crisis: Its Impact on the Surety Industry by Matthew J. Rosenberg In a troubled economy, contractors may find it more challenging to bond their jobs. Read what you can do to obtain an ideal surety program for your company, and learn how to enhance your surety and underwriter relationships.

S33 NASBP Survey Results: A Member Perspective by Richard Foss Here is an overview of NASBP’s survey results from its March 2009 “Member Perspective of the State of the Industry.” Take a look at what NASBP members say about general market conditions and strategic business issues.


T132 2008 Construction Tax Developments by George M. Parrott This industry expert summarizes a new pending definition for home construction contracts, discusses how automatic method changes are now allowed in accounting for retainage, and explains why a court ruled that income from certain warranty work was taxed under the PCM for a Kansas-based company.

T133 The 2009 Economic Stimulus Act: What It Could Mean to You by Jeffrey Kummer Take a closer look at what’s in store for construction, in addition to a summary of other notable and important provisions.

T134 Contractor Tax Accounting Methods: Critical Choices by Eric P. Wallace As your company changes in size and the type of contracts it performs, so might its method of accounting. Take a look at the rules and regulations that govern if, when, and how your company must switch.

T135 How to Allocate Overhead to Improve Profitability by Jerry Henderson This industry veteran presents the allocation of overhead process from a different (and possibly new) perspective for a variety of areas, including interest expense and construction management allocation.

T136 Percentage-of-Completion Regulations, Exceptions & More by Tanya L. LaCosse When should your company use the PCM? Does it qualify for the small contractor exemption? Or, does one of your projects qualify as an HCC? If you need to understand PCM particulars, then read on.

T137 How to Calculate Percentage-of-Completion by Alan K. Clark All CFMs should take the time to read this article on the ABCs of the PCM. Note the guidelines and rules for calculating the PCM, and see the differences between the PCM and CCM.

T138 Impact of the New Administration/Congress on Taxation & Planning for Contractors by John R. Armour Find out what the Recovery Act, the 2010 proposed budget, and the Treasury’s Green Book have in store for contractors.

T139 The Construction Industry Audit Technique Guide: What You Need to Know by Alan K. Clark Since construction tax issues are notoriously complex, the Construction Industry Audit Technique Guide is a useful tool for both IRS agents and CFMs. Be prepared and learn what auditors will look for, should the IRS knock on your company’s door.

CFMA’s Financial Survey FS20 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Surviving the Economic Crisis

by Catherine J. Gibson & Michael J. Ellis See how contractors in your geographic area, specialty, and size are adapting to make it through this recession.

FS21 CFMA’s 2009 Construction Industry Annual Financial Survey by Catherine J. Gibson We’ve included the Executive Summary and the “All Companies Financial Statement” as a preview of what

appears in the complete report. You’ll learn how Best in Class companies performed and how your company measures up.

2008 EDITORIAL INDEX Accounting & Reporting

A121 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion by R. Werner Anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements for the long-term profitability – and survival – of your company. Learn how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

A122 A Contractor’s Primer on SFAS 157 & SFAS 159 by N. Steinkamp, C. Thompson & E. Lane Learn how these recent FASB pronouncements could change your company’s financials.

A123 Accounting for & Supporting Change Orders & Claims by R. Lafferty Know the basics so you can create a system that identifies, documents, and accounts for change orders and claims. SOP 81-1 provides clarification for long-term contracts.

A124 New Auditing Standards: The Impact on Your Company by T. Salameh Construction companies of all sizes will feel the effects of 11 new Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) intended to improve the audit process. Find out what challenges your company may face.

A125 When “Good” Assets Go “Bad” – The CPA Point of View by J. Natarelli & T. Callan Learn why it’s important to pay attention to “costs in excess of billings” and the truth about under- and overbillings.

A126 Reporting & Deducting LEED Construction & Certification Costs by T. Taggart, C. Johnson & P. Telander Going “green” is the latest buzzword, but what are the tax and accounting consequences for your company?

A127 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by A. Stagliano This article – complete with a 20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow and 30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism – will help you evaluate your company’s cash flow health.

A128 Maximize Your M&E Deductions by T. Taggart, J. Novotny & T. Corbo Is your company correctly applying the rules and exceptions to its M&E deductions? Are your per diems in order? These industry pros break down the “do’s” and “don’ts” for M&E expenses.

Cash Management

CM49 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion by R. Werner Anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements for the long-term profitability – and survival – of your company. Learn how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

CM50 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by A. Stagliano This article – complete with a 20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow and 30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism – will help you evaluate your company’s cash flow health.

Computers & Technology C156 Are You Holding a Fraudulent or Unauthorized Surety Bond?

by W. Cheatham Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. Find out how to detect a fraudulent surety bond, and discover how technology can facilitate the verification process.

C157 10 Steps for Controlling Profitability: How to Integrate Accounting with Operations by D. Brown & L. Evoniuk As the CFM, you want to have as much control as possible over a job’s financial data and ultimate profitability. But, with so many departments involved, how do you keep it all straight? Integrate!

C158 When to Switch to New Accounting Software by C. Bauman Your current IT system generates incomplete reports, and your data is neither accurate nor timely. Should you start looking for a new system, or create work-arounds instead? An in-depth case study details the steps to take before you go shopping.

C159 “On Purpose” Profitability by K. Koenig Learn from an IT veteran and other experts how to overcome the roadblocks that prevent your company from arriving at its final destination: Best in Class!

C160 The Fifth Dimension of BIM by N. Steinkamp & T. Dionne Discover future consequences of current project decisions – from cost structures to material supplies to long-term building maintenance – via BIM’s Fifth Dimension.

C161 From Line Item to Strategic Imperative: The Changing Role of IT in Construction by E. O’Grady A summary of CFMA’s 2008 Information Technology Survey for the Construction Industry reveals what companies are doing relative to technology in such areas as staffing, project collaboration, and communications.

C162 Collaborative Web-Based Processes: The Next Technology Step in Construction by H. Brownett A Web-based solution can host all of the business processes for a construction company and yields many benefits. See how your company can profit.

C163 Workflow Management Software: An Essential Business Tool by D. Bennett If your business processes are tracked manually – or not at all – this primer on management software will show you how an automated system can improve your company’s bottom line.

C164 How to Get a Handle on the IT Puzzle by M. Sebastian “Change” is all the rage. But, what exactly does it mean for your IT department? Take this expert’s advice on how to approach and initiate effective change in your company.

C165 Five Steps to Get More from the Software You Already Own by B. Andrew How can your company make better use of technology and stay within budget? Use what you already have! Learn how to use your current systems more efficiently, and how minor changes can make big differences.

Legal Issues

L52 The 2007 AIA Documents: New Rights & Risks for Owners & Contractors by F. Riggs, Jr. This article explains how the new document revisions could affect your company. It also provides a list of changes to the numbering system for AIA Contract Documents, and discusses the ConsensusDOCS, a competing set of 70 standard form agreements.

L53 Why Contractors Fail: A Causal Analysis of Large Contractor Bankruptcies by H. Rice & A. Heimbach

Based on numerous case studies, detailed reports, and industry analyses, this FMI reprint illustrates the causes beyond the “usual suspects” that can lead to contractor failure.

L54 ConsensusDOCS: Consensus of Whom? by S. McGreevy & M. Callahan Find out some major differences between these contracts and the AIA A201-2007 General Conditions, and learn about such “hot topics” as consequential and liquidated damages, order of precedence, indemnification, dispute resolution, and more.

L55 Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Increasing Perils of Misclassification by D. Wing & K. Stanley While the benefits of using independent contractors are many, so are the penalties for misclassifying employees. Luckily, some companies can qualify for §530 relief.

L56 Practical Steps to Help GCs Weather Economic Hard Times by L. Weintraub Take steps to avoid a financial crisis and mitigate losses during tough times. This article covers pricing mechanisms, adequate assurances, and contract default; lien and bond rights, bankruptcy and foreclosure; and corporate planning options.

L57 Maximize Your M&E Deductions by T. Taggart, J. Novotny & T. Corbo Is your company correctly applying the rules and exceptions to its M&E deductions? Are your per diems in order? These industry pros break down the “do’s” and “don’ts” for M&E expenses.


M121 Leadership is More than a Head Game by D. Blohowiak An industry expert reveals how effective leaders combine traditional leadership skills with emotional data. Learn how to analyze your own emotions – and those of the people around you – to become a more influential leader.

M122 Innovation – The Classic Traps by R. Kanter In this HBR reprint, discover how your company can avoid innovation blunders and benefit from actual corporate experiences.

M123 The PM’s View of Teamwork & Leadership by M. Gibson Review the essential skills needed for project management, and find out what it takes for a good PM to became a great leader in our industry.

M124 10 Steps for Controlling Profitability: How to Integrate Accounting with Operations by D. Brown & L. Evoniuk As the CFM, you want to have as much control as possible over a job’s financial data and ultimate profitability. But, with so many departments involved, how do you keep it all straight? Integrate!

M125 Why Contractors Fail: A Causal Analysis of Large Contractor Bankruptcies by H. Rice & A. Heimbach Based on numerous case studies, detailed reports, and industry analyses, this FMI reprint illustrates the causes beyond the “usual suspects” that can lead to contractor failure.

M126 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: The Economic Environment by K. Evans, C. Gibson & H. Higgins Where is our industry headed? According to the survey results, things may not be as bad as they appear.

M127 How to Get a Handle on the IT Puzzle by M. Sebastian

“Change” is all the rage. But, what exactly does it mean for your IT department? Take this expert’s advice on how to approach and initiate effective change in your company.

M128 Practical Steps to Help GCs Weather Economic Hard Times by L. Weintraub Take steps to avoid a financial crisis and mitigate losses during tough times. This article covers pricing mechanisms, adequate assurances, and contract default; lien and bond rights, bankruptcy and foreclosure; and corporate planning options.

M129 How to Generate Business in a Challenging Economy by C. Corelli Follow these 25 steps to open the door to new opportunities – even during a troubled economy. Also, learn how to retain your current clients and make your company stand out among its competitors.

M130 Realizing What You’re Made Of by G. Mangurian Only you can determine how a life-altering crisis will affect you. In this HBR reprint, read about one man’s struggle with paralysis and how he turned a traumatic event into a truly inspirational story.

Performance Metrics Survey

MS1 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 1: State of the Industry by M. McKerley More than 400 CFMA members provided observations about the state of the industry and answered questions about business performance across various metrics.

MS2 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 2: People Issues – A Critical Concern by M. McKerley Learn the “ins and outs” of best practices for people management – the top challenge listed in this survey’s results. See what the specific problems are, and how you can correct them.

MS3 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 3: Project Sales & Customer Satisfaction by M. McKerley Repeat business is a key component of company sales and customer satisfaction. Take a look at other survey findings relative to these very important topics.

MS4 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 4: Managing Risk by M. McKerley The fourth article in this series focuses on risk management as practiced by your peers.

MS5 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 5: Project Delivery by M. McKerley The final article in this series focuses on the core function that all contractors must perform – project delivery. See how contractors differed in their effectiveness of onsite functions and administrative tasks, and take note of some very important KPIs.


P97 Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Increasing Perils of Misclassification by D. Wing & K. Stanley While the benefits of using independent contractors are many, so are the penalties for misclassifying employees. Luckily, some companies can qualify for §530 relief.

P98 Best Practice Approaches to Successful Wellness Programs by S. Heussner Check out the seven steps to implement a best in class wellness program and, in return, lower your company’s healthcare spending.

P99 Return to Work: The Foundation for Successful Workforce Development by C. Beyer

Retaining a company’s workforce is a major ongoing challenge in our industry. Learn how your company can utilize a Return to Work program built upon Temporary Modified Duty to help employees work within their physical limits, as determined by their medical professionals.

P100 Risk Management Strategies to Reduce Health Benefit Costs by C. Corelli Find out how to lower your company’s healthcare costs and improve its bottom line. Learn how an active risk management approach to this issue can affect your company’s healthcare costs.

Productivity Tools

PT81 The Art & Science of Forecasting the Estimated Cost at Completion by R. Werner Anticipate challenges, produce realistic forecasts, and improve the accuracy of crucial financial measurements for the long-term profitability – and survival – of your company. Learn how to predict Estimated Cost at Completion (ECAC) as a job progresses and develop a more precise financial picture of your company.

PT82 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 1: State of the Industry by M. McKerley More than 400 CFMA members provided observations about the state of the industry and answered questions about business performance across various metrics.

PT83 Leadership is More than a Head Game by D. Blohowiak An industry expert reveals how effective leaders combine traditional leadership skills with emotional data. Learn how to analyze your own emotions – and those of the people around you – to become a more influential leader.

PT84 Innovation – The Classic Traps by R. Kanter In this HBR reprint, discover how your company can avoid innovation blunders and benefit from actual corporate experiences.

PT85 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 2: People Issues – A Critical Concern by M. McKerley Learn the “ins and outs” of best practices for people management – the top challenge listed in this survey’s results. See what the specific problems are, and how you can correct them.

PT86 10 Steps for Controlling Profitability: How to Integrate Accounting with Operations by D. Brown & L. Evoniuk As the CFM, you want to have as much control as possible over a job’s financial data and ultimate profitability. But, with so many departments involved, how do you keep it all straight? Integrate!

PT87 Why Contractors Fail: A Causal Analysis of Large Contractor Bankruptcies by H. Rice & A. Heimbach Based on numerous case studies, detailed reports, and industry analyses, this FMI reprint illustrates the causes beyond the “usual suspects” that can lead to contractor failure.

PT88 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 3: Project Sales & Customer Satisfaction by M. McKerley Repeat business is a key component of company sales and customer satisfaction. Take a look at other survey findings relative to these very important topics.

PT89 “On Purpose” Profitability by K. Koenig Learn from an IT veteran and other experts how to overcome the roadblocks that prevent your company from arriving at its final destination: Best in Class!

PT90 The Fifth Dimension of BIM by N. Steinkamp & T. Dionne

Discover future consequences of current project decisions – from cost structures to material supplies to long-term building maintenance – via BIM’s Fifth Dimension.

PT91 Internal vs. External Benchmarking of Insurance Claim Data by C. Beyer & G. Stefan Learn how internally benchmarking your company’s claims data can assist in reaching its risk management goals.

PT92 Workflow Management Software: An Essential Business Tool by D. Bennett If your business processes are tracked manually – or not at all – this primer on management software will show you how an automated system can improve your company’s bottom line.

PT93 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 4: Managing Risk by M. McKerley The fourth article in this series focuses on risk management as practiced by your peers.

PT94 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: The Economic Environment by K. Evans, C. Gibson & H. Higgins Where is our industry headed? According to the survey results, things may not be as bad as they appear.

PT95 Cash: The Lifeblood of Every Contractor by A. Stagliano This article – complete with a 20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow and 30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism – will help you evaluate your company’s cash flow health.

PT96 Practical Steps to Help GCs Weather Economic Hard Times by L. Weintraub Take steps to avoid a financial crisis and mitigate losses during tough times. This article covers pricing mechanisms, adequate assurances, and contract default; lien and bond rights, bankruptcy and foreclosure; and corporate planning options.

PT97 How to Generate Business in a Challenging Economy by C. Corelli Follow these 25 steps to open the door to new opportunities – even during a troubled economy. Also, learn how to retain your current clients and make your company stand out among its competitors.

PT98 Five Steps to Get More from the Software You Already Own by B. Andrew How can your company make better use of technology and stay within budget? Use what you already have! Learn how to use your current systems more efficiently, and how minor changes can make big differences.

PT99 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 5: Project Delivery by M. McKerley The final article in this series focuses on the core function that all contractors must perform – project delivery. See how contractors differed in their effectiveness of onsite functions and administrative tasks, and take note of some very important KPIs.

Project Management Series

PM11 The PM’s View of Teamwork & Leadership by M. Gibson In the final article in this series, review the essential skills needed for project management, and find out what it takes for a good PM to became a great leader in our industry.

Risk Management

R149 How to Prepare to Quantify Damages Before a Catastrophe by C. Cois & M. Albrecht

Develop a loss measurement program that enables your company to efficiently manage, effectively respond to, and quickly recover from catastrophic events – and help ensure its financial survival.

R150 Why Contractors Fail: A Causal Analysis of Large Contractor Bankruptcies by H. Rice & A. Heimbach Based on numerous case studies, detailed reports, and industry analyses, this FMI reprint illustrates the causes beyond the “usual suspects” that can lead to contractor failure.

R151 Builders’ Risk: Is Your Financial Interest Covered? by K. Reutter & N. White When deciding on your builders’ risk coverage, it’s important to choose carefully and thoroughly – and, to ask questions early in the process to save your company time and money later on.

R152 Internal vs. External Benchmarking of Insurance Claim Data by C. Beyer & G. Stefan Learn how internally benchmarking your company’s claims data can assist in reaching its risk management goals.

R153 Best Practice Approaches to Successful Wellness Programs by S. Heussner Check out the seven steps to implement a best in class wellness program and, in return, lower your company’s healthcare spending.

R154 Return to Work: The Foundation for Successful Workforce Development by C. Beyer Retaining a company’s workforce is a major ongoing challenge in our industry. Learn how your company can utilize a Return to Work program built upon Temporary Modified Duty to help employees work within their physical limits, as determined by their medical professionals.

R155 Environmental Insurance Options for the Construction Industry by J. Heft You never know what you’re going to find until you start digging on a jobsite. However, this risk can be managed through a variety of environmental insurance options. This industry professional breaks it all down.

R156 Owning the Right Risks by K. Buehler, A. Freeman & R. Hulme Learn about the five steps that will help your company become “risk-aware” in this Harvard Business Review reprint.

R157 Performance Metrics Survey, Part 4: Managing Risk by M. McKerley The fourth article in this series focuses on risk management as practiced by your peers.

R158 Risk Management Strategies to Reduce Health Benefit Costs by C. Corelli Find out how to lower your company’s healthcare costs and improve its bottom line. Learn how an active risk management approach to this issue can affect your company’s healthcare costs.

Surety

S31 Are You Holding a Fraudulent or Unauthorized Surety Bond? by W. Cheatham Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. Find out how to detect a fraudulent surety bond, and discover how technology can facilitate the verification process.


T126 Construction Tax Panel: A Mixed Message for Construction Taxation by D. Allison, A. Lattimer, G. Parrott, D. Ruther & R. Word These construction taxation experts answer questions on everything from look-back and M&E expenses to

DPAD and deferred compensation plans. Plus, small contractors get practical tips to help them stay under the PCM threshold.

T127 Giving 101: How to Maximize Your Charitable Donations by A. Scott Know if your company is donating to a reputable non-profit organization, and learn how you can maximize the tax benefits when your company makes a donation.

T128 Good Intentions Gone Awry: How the AMT Became the “Stealth Tax” by J. Kummer As the number of taxpayers who unsuspectingly owe the AMT continues to climb, the need for permanent relief becomes more evident.

T129 Lease or Buy? Tax Considerations Can Complicate the Decision by J. Colwell Managing your tax liabilities for equipment purchases or leases is not as black and white as accounting for them.

T130 Reporting & Deducting LEED Construction & Certification Costs by T. Taggart, C. Johnson & P. Telander Going “green” is the latest buzzword, but what are the tax and accounting consequences for your company?

T131 Campaign ’08: Politics, Policy & Prognostications by J. Kummer Learn the specifics of each presidential candidate’s tax position. And, check out the Tax Policy Scorecard.

CFMA’s Annual Report AR17 2006-2007 Treasurer’s Report

by V. Spotts

CFMA’s Financial Survey FS19 CFMA’s 2007 Financial Survey Hot Topic: Field Personnel Recruting

by M. Ellis, P. Tucci & K. Evans


Accounting & Reporting

A113 Recognition of Claim Revenue & the PCM by G. Parrott & A. Clark Discover why you may have to recognize claim revenue for tax purposes, even if you don’t recognize it for GAAP.

A114 FIN 48 & the Contractor’s Financial Statement by R. Lafferty Learn how to measure, recognize, and derecognize tax positions according to this Interpretation.

A115 Contractor Accounting Methods: Critical Choices by E. Wallace This updated version of a reader favorite examines the different accounting method choices available to contractors, and discusses each in light of the latest IRS rules and regulations.

A116 Postretirement Plans: FAS 158 & the Pension Protection Act of 2006 by J. Tyner & R. Nowak, Jr.

The FASB and the federal government have independently issued new standards for company retirement plans. Understand how these rules affect your company.

A117 A CFM’s Guide to the Treatment of Capital Expenditures by J. Seay Buy vs. Lease. Depreciation Method Selection. Interest Capitalization. Check out these simple ways to manage capital expenses while improving your company’s balance sheet, financial reporting ratios, and financial statements.

A118 Uncertain Tax Positions in the Construction Industry, Part 1 by A. Clark FIN 48 will affect all contractor financial statements in the near future. Examine a punchlist of issues that will help you identify FIN 48 tax uncertainties.

A119 Uncertain Tax Positions in the Construction Industry, Part 2 by A. Clark Here are some construction-specific FIN 48 examples that focus on recognition, measurement, and disclosure.

A120 Forming a Captive: Operational & Accounting Issues by B. Kirkell & J. Williams Thoroughly understand the pros and cons of this insurance vehicle before your company enters into a captive agreement.

Cash Management

CM47 A CFM’s Guide to the Treatment of Capital Expenditures by J. Seay Buy vs. Lease. Depreciation Method Selection. Interest Capitalization. Check out these simple ways to manage capital expenses while improving your company’s balance sheet, financial reporting ratios, and financial statements.

CM48 Hedging 101 for Construction Financial Managers by D. Sauerman & D. Smoller If your company is trapped on the interest rate rollercoaster, hedging interest rates can help. Also, review the basics of commodity and foreign exchange hedging.

Computers & Technology C146 Underutilized Technology: Five Ideas to Save Time & Money

by M. Dexter Tap into the hidden potential of your current technology at little (or no) additional expense.

C147 RFID: The Next Big Thing for Contractors? by D. McCollum Examine how RFID can reduce product loss, enhance visibility into operations, maximize supply chain management, and make cash forecasting more accurate.

C148 IT Staffing: Challenges & Opportunities by C. Burger Here are several ways to realign your IT staff and create a more effective approach to technology initiatives.

C149 Mastering the Three Worlds of Information Technology by A. McFee This reprint from the Harvard Business Review analyzes IT as a series of general-purpose technologies (GPTs) that can spark a revolution in your company.

C150 Six Best Practices for Construction Software Selection by S. Needle & D. Brown Pinpoint ways to improve profitability throughout your company’s operations as you choose software that enhances your accounting procedures.

C151 The New Era of E-Discovery by J. Venzie

The legal rules for e-record retention are more stringent than ever, and the penalties for non-compliance are costly. Use this article as a guide to establish an e-records program to help minimize this risk.

C152 Equipment Fleet Management Software: A Driver of ROI? by D. Bennett Challenged by the intricacies of tracking equipment expenses and use? This specialized software could help.

C153 Risk Management & Your Company’s IT System by B. Hamdy Find out how an integrated IT system can help your company perform more efficiently and manage risk more effectively.

C154 The Security Challenge: ERP Integration by J. Lennertz A fully integrated ERP system maximizes the power of your IT system, but incurs more risks – some of which can endanger the integrity of your financials. Learn about these risks and discover how to mitigate them.

C155 The Perils of the Contractor as Software Developer by C. Burger & A. Frost Know the questions every contractor should ask before starting a software development project, and learn the steps necessary to build an application successfully.

Legal Issues

L47 You Are Closer to Being Indicted Than You Think. . . by an Anonymous Author In this exclusive first-person account, discover how vulnerable you are to federal prosecution and the high price that was paid by an innocent CFM and his family.

L48 A CFM’s Legal Guide to Hiring & Firing by T. Jones Know your company’s legal rights and responsibilities, and learn more about the ambiguities of hiring and firing.

L49 To Arbitrate or Litigate? One Lawyer’s Surprising Answer by A. Pralgever Learn one insider’s opinion on the disadvantages of arbitration relative to cost, scheduling, and various evidentiary and procedural considerations.

L50 The New Era of E-Discovery by J. Venzie The legal rules for e-record retention are more stringent than ever, and the penalties for non-compliance are costly. Use this article as a guide to establish an e-records program and help minimize this risk.

L51 Non-Compete Covenants: A Growing Trend in Construction by T. Jones Learn why your company needs non-compete covenants and how to use them; sample document included.


M112 You Are Closer to Being Indicted Than You Think. . . by an Anonymous Author In this exclusive first-person account, discover how vulnerable you are to federal prosecution and the high price that was paid by an innocent CFM and his family.

M113 The Impact of Accounting on Job Management & Profitability by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson Learn how CFMs use accounting to measure performance and transition their departments from a necessary overhead expense to a vital revenue generator.

M114 Practical Advice for New CFMs by P. Cebelak Get hands-on tips and techniques to be more efficient, more effective, and more influential in your new role.

M115 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction CPA by D. Krech From tax and compliance advisor to internal controls expert, CPAs with an expertise in the construction industry can fulfill many roles.

M116 Talking ’Bout My Generation: Understanding How Generational Differences Impact the Competition for Talent by K. Chisholm The retention of talented employees is more critical than ever. Examine profiles of each generation, learn how to manage a multi-generational workforce, and identify methods to help retain star employees, reduce turnover costs, and remain competitive.

M117 How to Manage Problem Employees by C. Corelli Tolerating problem employees is not an option. They frustrate your top talent, create resentment among your staff, and cause difficulties with customers. This article identifies three types of problem employees and provides 12 practical tips to elicit positive change.

M118 Contractor Ethics: A Preventative Approach by C. Bauer Discover how to develop and maintain a culture of ethical behavior at your company.

M119 The Pros & Cons of Common Estate Planning Options by M. Strahan Your company owners need to know about continuity options – regardless of their age, health, or family situation.

M120 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success by J. Henderson This article explains the ratios and benchmarks needed to guide your company on its journey to financial success. It also includes a “Performance Measurement Worksheet” so you can analyze your company relative to key financial measures.


P86 Supplemental Pay Practices in Construction by S. McNeal It’s a CFM’s worst-case scenario: Payroll is miscalculated, the job has ended, and the contractor must pay the difference. Discover how to properly calculate bonuses, overtime, and premium time before your company owes back wages.

P87 2006-2007 Contractor Executive Pay by J. Robinson & R. Phillips Learn how salaries for construction executives fare in this diverse and mercurial economic climate. See where your company stands in terms of base pay, bonuses, and total compensation for six executive categories. Plus, get a breakdown of CFO pay by contractor revenue, and discover how much the top CFOs earn.

P88 Talking ’Bout My Generation: Understanding How Generational Differences Impact the Competition for Talent by K. Chisholm The retention of talented employees is more critical than ever. Examine profiles of each generation, learn how to manage a multi-generational workforce, and identify methods to help retain star employees, reduce turnover costs, and remain competitive.

P89 How to Manage Problem Employees by C. Corelli

Tolerating problem employees is not an option. They frustrate your top talent, create resentment among your staff, and cause difficulties with customers. This article identifies three types of problem employees and provides 12 practical tips to elicit positive change.

P90 A CFM’s Legal Guide to Hiring & Firing by T. Jones Know your company’s legal rights and responsibilities, and learn more about the ambiguities of hiring and firing.

P91 Defined Contribution Plans & the Pension Protection Act of 2006 by J. Higgins & K. Kurtz The Pension Protection Act of 2006 makes significant changes to IRAs, 401(k)s, and defined contribution plans. Get an overview of what’s new, what’s changed, and what’s required.

P92 Postretirement Plans: FAS 158 & the Pension Protection Act of 2006 by J. Tyner & R. Nowak, Jr. Both the federal government and the FASB have issued new standards for company retirement plans. Understand how these rules affect your company.

P93 IT Staffing: Challenges & Opportunities by C. Burger Here are several ways to realign your IT staff and create a more effective approach to technology initiatives.

P94 How to Safeguard Your Workers’ Compensation Program by S. Sorensen Get an insider’s view on practical methods to investigate claims and how to minimize your company’s medical costs. Plus, learn how to set realistic return-to-work goals for your employees and discover how (and why) to establish a workers’ comp data collection process.

P95 The Pros & Cons of Common Estate Planning Options by M. Strahan Your company owners need to know about continuity options – regardless of their age, health, or family situation.

P96 A Workers’ Compensation Primer for Multi-State Contractors by L. Ludwig Check out these practical tips on how to navigate the workers’ comp maze before your company takes another out-of-state job.

Productivity Tools

PT73 The Impact of Accounting on Job Management & Profitability by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson Learn how CFMs use accounting to measure performance and transition their departments from a necessary overhead expense to a vital revenue generator.

PT74 Underutilized Technology: Five Ideas to Save Time & Money by M. Dexter Tap into the hidden potential of your current technology at little (or no) additional expense.

PT75 Supplemental Pay Practices in Construction by S. McNeal It’s a CFM’s worst-case scenario: Payroll is miscalculated, the job has ended, and the contractor must pay the difference. Discover how to properly calculate bonuses, overtime, and premium time before your company owes back wages.

PT76 The Tax Implications of Buy-Sell Agreements by B. Worth Discover the essential elements, tax considerations, and estate tax consequences of buy-sell agreements.

PT77 A CFM’s Guide to the Treatment of Capital Expenditures by J. Seay Buy vs. Lease. Depreciation Method Selection. Interest Capitalization. Check out these simple ways to manage capital expenses while improving your company’s balance sheet, financial reporting ratios, and financial statements.

PT78 Risk Performance Metrics by C. Beyer Check out these techniques to turn your company’s safety and risk management programs into a profit center – and a distinct competitive advantage.

PT79 Hedging 101 for Construction Financial Managers by D. Sauerman & D. Smoller If your company is trapped on the interest rate rollercoaster, hedging interest rates can help. Also, review the basics of commodity and foreign exchange hedging.

PT80 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success by J. Henderson This article explains the ratios and benchmarks needed to guide your company on its journey to financial success. It also includes a “Performance Measurement Worksheet” so you can analyze your company relative to key financial measures.

Project Management Series

PM8 The PM’s View of Risk Management by M. Gibson Learn how a PM’s approach to risk management can help refine your own methods to control and mitigate risk.

PM9 The PM’s View of Monitoring & Controlling Projects by M. Gibson From the project budget and master schedule to progress measurement and change management, here’s everything you need to know about monitoring and controlling projects – both on the jobsite and in your home office.

PM10 Project Completion & Closeout by M. Gibson This article describes how to avoid classic project management mistakes during a project’s completion and closeout. These tips result in more efficient cash flows, fewer claims and dispute costs, lower overhead, and more effective operations overall.

Risk Management

R135 You Are Closer to Being Indicted Than You Think. . . by an Anonymous Author In this exclusive first-person account, discover how vulnerable you are to federal prosecution and the high price that was paid by an innocent CFM and his family.

R136 To Arbitrate or Litigate? One Lawyer’s Surprising Answer by A. Pralgever Learn one insider’s opinion on the disadvantages of arbitration relative to cost, scheduling, and various evidentiary and procedural considerations.

R137 Surety Market Outlook: Good Times for Construction? by E. O’Brien The surety market could be gearing up for a promising future. Find out how this could affect – and possibly expand – your company’s surety credit.

R138 How to Safeguard Your Workers’ Compensation Program by S. Sorensen

Get an insider’s view on practical methods to investigate claims and how to minimize your company’s medical costs. Plus, learn how to set realistic return-to-work goals for your employees and discover how (and why) to establish a workers’ comp data collection process.

R139 Mold = Gold: Are You Kidding? by J. Slivka Despite the massive tort potential of toxic mold, most insurers and contractors have kept this liability from growing out of control. Examine how they’ve done it, and learn how to design a plan that protects your company.

R140 Risk Performance Metrics by C. Beyer Check out these techniques to turn your company’s safety and risk management programs into a profit center – and a distinct competitive advantage.

R141 How to Select Your Company’s Insurance Agent or Broker, Part 1 by J. Gibson Learn how to select agents and brokers that can provide ideas, resources, and coverages to help your company outperform its competition.

R142 How to Select Your Company’s Insurance Agent or Broker, Part 2 by J. Gibson Learn the crucial steps you must take to find the right insurance professional for your company.

R143 Non-Compete Covenants: A Growing Trend in Construction by T. Jones Learn why your company needs non-compete covenants and how to use them; sample document included.

R144 Planning for Primary & Controlled Insurance Program Audits by M. Culnen A contractor can go bankrupt after failing to properly analyze, estimate, and execute an insurance plan from renewal to audit. Learn why CIP popularity increases the possibility of carrier audits, and how you can protect your company.

R145 Risk Management & Your Company’s IT System by B. Hamdy Find out how an integrated IT system can help your company perform more efficiently and manage risk more effectively.

R146 The Security Challenge: ERP Integration by J. Lennertz A fully integrated ERP system maximizes the power of your IT system, but incurs more risks – some of which can endanger the integrity of your financials. Learn about these risks and discover how to mitigate them.

R147 Forming a Captive: Operational & Accounting Issues by B. Kirkell & J. Williams Thoroughly understand the pros and cons of this insurance vehicle before your company enters into a captive agreement.

R148 A Workers’ Compensation Primer for Multi-State Contractors by L. Ludwig Check out these practical tips on how to navigate the workers’ comp maze before your company takes another out-of-state job.

Surety

S30 Surety Market Outlook: Good Times for Construction? by E. O’Brien The surety market could be gearing up for a promising future. Find out how this could affect – and possibly expand – your company’s surety credit.


T109 Recognition of Claim Revenue & the PCM by G. Parrott & A. Clark Discover why you may have to recognize claim revenue for tax purposes, even if you don’t recognize it for GAAP.

T110 Intellectual Property Valuations in the Construction Industry by N. Steinkamp, C. Thompson & J. Wachowicz In construction, intellectual property issues are more common than ever. Here’s what you need to know about the valuation of important intangible assets, such as design plans and blueprints.

T111 FIN 48 & the Contractor’s Financial Statement by R. Lafferty Learn how to measure, recognize, and derecognize tax positions according to this Interpretation.

T112 Contractor Accounting Methods: Critical Choices by E. Wallace This updated version of a reader favorite examines the different accounting method choices available to contractors, and discusses each in light of the latest IRS rules and regulations.

T113 The Tax Policy Process & the Democratic Congress by J. Kummer Have you ever wondered how a tax bill becomes law, or how IRS announcements, revenue procedures, and notices shape the day-to-day application of tax law? Learn all this and more, plus understand how the tax payment process relates to the current Democratic Congress.

T114 The Tax Relief & Health Care Act of 2006 by B. Walsh This Act extends several tax saving provisions, including some that could benefit your company.

T115 How to Calculate Percentage-of-Completion by A. Clark This primer explains how to effectively defer taxable income with correct percentage-of-completion calculations. It also includes a side-by-side comparison of the PCM and CCM that shows the impact of each method on financial statements and taxable income.

T116 Percentage-of-Completion Exemptions for Long-Term Contracts by T. LaCosse & D. Elwell According to GAAP, contractors must use the PCM to report income from long-term contracts, but not all contractors have to do so for tax purposes. Find out if your company qualifies for these exemptions and learn the advantages of the other available methods.

T117 The Tax Implications of Buy-Sell Agreements by B. Worth Discover the essential elements, tax considerations, and estate tax consequences of buy-sell agreements.

T118 The Complexities of S Corporation Debt Basis by J. Chapman & C. Kramer Learn how to establish debt basis and restructure backto-back debt that can withstand IRS examination.

T119 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction CPA by D. Krech From tax and compliance advisor to internal controls expert, CPAs with an expertise in the construction industry can fulfill many roles.

T120 Mandatory 3% Withholding on Government Contracts by R. Word & R. Shavell In the future, government entities may hold back 3% of a contractor’s payment and remit it to the IRS as a tax prepayment. Find out if, and how, this provision could affect your company.

T121 Look-Back Tips for Contractors by T. Taggart & J. Novotny Check out these quick hints to help you file your look-back returns more efficiently – and possibly get your company’s refund more quickly.

T122 Defined Contribution Plans & the Pension Protection Act of 2006 by J. Higgins & K. Kurtz The Pension Protection Act of 2006 makes significant changes to IRAs, 401(k)s, and defined contribution plans. Get an overview of what’s new, what’s changed, and what’s required.

T123 Home Construction Contracts & the CCM: A Mandatory Audit Issue? by R. Shavell The IRS instructed audit groups to more closely construe certain issues regarding the use of the CCM. Learn how this development could impact your company’s ability to apply the CCM to contracts.

T124 The Pros & Cons of Common Estate Planning Options by M. Strahan Your company owners need to know about continuity options – regardless of their age, health, or family situation.

T125 Year-End Tax Strategies for Contractors by B. Jones Discover methods to reduce your company’s tax burden and increase its bottom line.

CFMA’s Annual Report AR17 2006-2007 Treasurer’s Report

by V. Spotts

CFMA’s Financial Survey FS18 CFMA’s 2007 Construction Industry Annual Financial Survey

by M. Ellis, P. Tucci & K. Evans

2006 EDITORIAL INDEX Accounting & Reporting A106 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Annual Audit

by R. Smith Now that most audits cost more, you need to get more for your money. These tips describe how to maximize your auditing dollars.

A107 Contractor Joint Venture Accounting after FIN 46R by E. Wallace FIN 46R is finally here, and CFMs should understand the Interpretation’s meaning, applicability, recognition, and measurement alternatives relative to joint ventures.

A108 Accounting for Contractor Non-Monetary Exchanges by J. Garboski FAS 153 is a new yardstick for recording non-monetary transactions. Learn how the change affects your company’s financial statements.

A109 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by F. Riggs, Jr. In construction, significant changes and costly extra work are the rule, not the exception. Here’s a plan that CFMs can follow to ensure their companies are paid for all work performed on a project.

A110 Internal Controls by G. Marshall Proper internal controls can help prevent errors and surprises, increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, deter fraud, protect your company’s assets, and reduce the risk of loss. Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls.

A111 FASB: An Update on Hot Topics & Emerging Issues by J. Henderson, Jr. & E. Callahan Learn about FASB’s 2006 projects. From business combinations and financial instruments to fair value measurements and post-retirement benefit obligations, many changes could directly affect your company’s accounting and financial practices.

A112 FAS 123(R) & Equity-Based Compensation by D. Allison & T. Sznewajs FAS 123(R) establishes new standards for determining the fair market value of share-based payments to employees. Here’s what private companies need to understand about the new world of equity-based compensation, including two case studies.

Cash Management CM43 Cash Flow Formula, Part 1: How to Measure Cash

by S. Lords Get a practical lesson on cash management – from accelerating receipts and decelerating payments to minimizing current assets and maximizing current liabilities. Plus, discover a proven, construction-specific formula to manage all assets and liabilities, not just your company’s bank balance.

CM44 Cash Flow Formula, Part 2: How Operations Impact Cash by S. Lords Business operations have more impact on cash flow than any other factor. Learn how properly aligning operations can improve your company’s cash position.

CM45 Cash Flow Formula, Part 3: Forecasting Cash by S. Lords Find out the secret to successfully forecasting cash and learn how past results can help CFMs predict future cash flow.

CM46 Internal Controls by G. Marshall Proper internal controls can help prevent errors and surprises, increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, deter fraud, protect your company’s assets, and reduce the risk of loss. Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls.

Computers & Technology C135 Renting PM Software: The How & Why of Software as a Service

by E. Eisel Revamped as Software as a Service, Web-based PM software is back. Find out the benefits, drawbacks, and potential payoffs of this technology.

C136 IT Security by M. Lassonde Understand how even well-intentioned employees can wreak havoc on your company’s technology systems, learn IT controls to prevent innocent disasters, and examine methods to minimize the potential damage to your company.

C137 Dashboards: How to Avoid Flying Blind by J. Greenberger Dashboards are some of the newest jets in the IT hangar. But, without a clear understanding of your company’s business processes, you’re in for a turbulent ride. Read these recommendations before your company invests unwisely, loses altitude, or crash lands altogether.

C138 How to Calculate the Value of Technology by P. Levine Check out this step-by-step primer that explains how to compare seemingly dissimilar technology investments, boost your ROI, and make your IT dollars go further.

C139 Smart Software: Managing Information Overload by D. Earnshaw CFMs have too much to do, and too few resources. Consider smart software to help ease the burden.

C140 The Smart Approach to Application Service Providers by H. Brownett Discover the latest on ASPs – figure out what they are, how they work, and what to evaluate before you sign on the dotted line.

C141 CFMA’s 2006 Information Technology Survey Results by E. O’Grady Get highlights from CFMA’s 2006 Information Technology Survey, along with comparisons to the 2004 and 2002 surveys.

C142 Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response for Contractors by C. Beyer Contractors who implement, test, and periodically update an emergency preparedness plan are more likely to survive (and thrive) after a disaster. This article also includes “An Emergency Preparedness Questionnaire for Contractors” by L. True.

C143 Tips & Tools to Prevent Check Fraud by L. Shimada Check fraud is a growing threat to contractors. Discover ways to protect your company through improved internal processes and innovative new technologies.

C144 How to Measure Your Company’s IT Spending by R. Werner Technology spending can seem like a hit-or-miss endeavor, with disappointing results at times. Examine a different, more strategically driven approach to IT spending, and discover how to get an edge on your company’s competition.

C145 Invoice Automation: The Accounts Payable Advantage? by C. Martin Invoice automation can reduce overhead, improve operations, and increase cash flow. Discover how to successfully implement this technology at your company.

Legal Issues L40 A CFM’s Survival Guide to Project Documentation & Claims

by J. Copley Tired of a “catch-as-catch-can” approach to documentation and claims? Try this in-depth primer.

L41 Bankruptcy: A Construction Industry Perspective by R. Maher & M. Benedict Creditors have more reclamation rights with the passing of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA). From automatic stays to mechanic’s liens to avoidance actions, here’s what you need to know.

L42 Avoiding Disputes Through Contract & Project Management by D. McPherson Learn which contract provisions require close attention and why. Plus, explore proactive project management techniques that help reduce or eliminate contract disputes.

L43 The Potential Dangers of a Partial Waiver or Release of Claims & Liens by J. Venzie Discover ways to minimize the risk of partial wavier/ release forms, learn how to save money through arbitration clauses, and examine the three common dangers of every construction contract.

L44 Curtailing Litigation Costs: Effective Use of Arbitration by R. Flake For years, arbitration has been a cost-effective alternative to litigation; but the use of arbitration can also limit additional legal costs. Learn how.

L45 Protection Against Sharply Increasing Material Prices by J. Johnson

Subcontractor nonperformance. Force majeure terminations. Price escalation clauses. Understand how rising material prices affect these legal issues. Also, get practical suggestions to protect your company from material cost increases.

L46 Lien Laws & Out-of-State Construction Projects by L. Weintraub Working in another state can be a very lucrative, but risky, business. Learn how to protect your company’s lien rights before it undertakes an out-of-state project.

Management & Leadership M105 The Profitability of Agile Construction

by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson Learn to analyze jobs, customers, vendors, and subcontractors by assessing their contribution to your company’s productivity on the job.

M106 A Contractor’s Diet: How to Get Lean by M. Dailey When market conditions change, successful contractors adapt. This recipe for success teaches you how to tighten the company belt – and why those who stay lean in every economic climate earn the biggest share of the pie.

M107 Quantifying Damages After a Catastrophe by C. Daigle & T. Scott When it comes to financially surviving a catastrophe, it’s often a matter of prepare or perish. Learn how to develop a loss recovery plan before a loss occurs.

M108 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success by J. Henderson Get a veteran’s explanation of the financial ratios and benchmarks you need to guide your company through the industry’s tumultuous terrain.

M109 Key Performance Indicators that Drive Value by T. Emison Are you so focused on traditional benchmarks that you’ve lost sight of other measures that could increase overall performance? Learn how non-financial variables can gauge, and improve, your company’s bottom line.

M110 Defining Leadership for Construction Financial Managers by D. Blohowiak Confidence and relationships are as critical to your leadership effectiveness as your technical competence or job title. Learn five strategies that can boost your confidence, strengthen your workplace relationships, and make you a more effective leader.

M111 Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response for Contractors by C. Beyer Contractors who implement, test, and periodically update an emergency preparedness plan are more likely to survive (and thrive) after a disaster. This article also includes “An Emergency Preparedness Questionnaire for Contractors” by L. True.

Personnel & Benefits Issues P82 IT Security

by M. Lassonde Understand how even well-intentioned employees can wreak havoc on your company’s technology systems, learn IT controls to prevent innocent disasters, and examine methods to minimize the potential damage to your company.

P83 FASB: An Update on Hot Topics & Emerging Issues by J. Henderson, Jr. & E. Callahan Get up-to-date on FASB’s projects. From business combinations and financial instruments to fair value measurements and post-retirement benefit obligations, many changes could directly affect your company’s accounting and financial practices.

P84 Workers’ Compensation Tools for Contractors by R. Bringgold & L. MacDonald

Learn how to screen for risk-prone employees before you hire them, how to empower employees to support safety initiatives, and how to establish an employee-centered, post-injury management process.

P85 Compensation Update: Exempt Staff by J. Robinson & R. Phillips Find out how much compensation is enough, and learn why your company should consider paying. Also, read about wage structures, flexible benefit plans, disease management programs, and healthcare accounts.

Productivity Tools PT56 The Profitability of Agile Construction

by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson Learn to analyze jobs, customers, vendors, and subcontractors by assessing their contribution to your company’s productivity on the job.

PT57 A Contractor’s Diet: How to Get Lean by M. Dailey When market conditions change, successful contractors adapt. This recipe for success teaches you how to tighten the company belt – and why those who stay lean in every economic climate earn the biggest share of the pie.

PT58 Cash Flow Formula, Part 1: How to Measure Cash by S. Lords Get a practical lesson on cash management – from accelerating receipts and decelerating payments to minimizing current assets and maximizing current liabilities. Plus, discover a proven, construction-specific formula to manage all assets and liabilities, not just your company’s bank balance.

PT59 Cash Flow Formula, Part 2: How Operations Impact Cash by S. Lords Business operations have more impact on cash flow than any other factor. Learn how properly aligning operations can improve your company’s cash position.

PT60 Cash Flow Formula, Part 3: Forecasting Cash by S. Lords Find out the secret to successfully forecasting cash and learn how past results can help CFMs predict future cash flow.

PT61 Quantifying Damages After a Catastrophe by C. Daigle & T. Scott When it comes to financially surviving a catastrophe, it’s often a matter of prepare or perish. Learn how to develop a loss recovery plan before a loss occurs.

PT62 A CFM’s Survival Guide to Project Documentation & Claims by J. Copley Tired of a “catch-as-catch-can” approach to documentation and claims? Try this in-depth primer.

PT63 Avoiding Disputes Through Contract & Project Management by D. McPherson Learn which contract provisions require close attention – and why. Plus, explore proactive project management techniques that help reduce or eliminate contract disputes.

PT64 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success by J. Henderson Get a veteran’s explanation of the financial ratios and benchmarks you need to guide your company through the industry’s tumultuous terrain.

PT65 Key Performance Indicators that Drive Value by T. Emison Are you so focused on traditional benchmarks that you’ve lost sight of other measures that could increase overall performance? Learn how non-financial variables can gauge, and improve, your company’s bottom line.

PT66 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by F. Riggs, Jr. In construction, significant changes and costly extra work are the rule, not the exception. Here’s a plan that CFMs can follow to ensure their companies are paid for all work performed on a project.

PT67 Internal Controls by G. Marshall Proper internal controls can help prevent errors and surprises, increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, deter fraud, protect your company’s assets, and reduce the risk of loss. Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls.

PT68 Dashboards: How to Avoid Flying Blind by J. Greenberger Dashboards are some of the newest jets in the IT hangar. But, without a clear understanding of your company’s business processes, you’re in for a turbulent ride. Read these recommendations before your company invests unwisely, loses altitude, or crash lands altogether.

PT69 How to Calculate the Value of Technology by P. Levine Check out this step-by-step primer that explains how to compare seemingly dissimilar technology investments, boost your ROI, and make your IT dollars go further.

PT70 Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response for Contractors by C. Beyer Contractors who implement, test, and periodically update an emergency preparedness plan are more likely to survive (and thrive) after a disaster. This article also includes “An Emergency Preparedness Questionnaire for Contractors” by L. True.

PT71 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Material Shortages & Price Escalations by M. Ellis, R. Earl & K. Evans Once again, CFMA releases a preview of the popular Financial Survey Hot Topic results.

PT72 How to Measure Your Company’s IT Spending by R. Werner Technology spending can seem like a hit-or-miss endeavor, with disappointing results at times. Examine a different, more strategically driven approach to IT spending, and discover how to get an edge on your company’s competition.

Project Management Series PM5 Selecting the Contractor: The PM’s Viewpoint

by A. Lamb & M. Gibson Two project management gurus explain contractor selection from the owner’s point of view, and a veteran CFM offers contractor-specific advice.

PM6 Cost Control & the Owner’s Project Manager by M. Gibson Learn how owners monitor costs, and discover ways to achieve greater input into the process.

PM7 Project Scheduling & Time Control by M. Gibson For project owners and their PMs, time can be a dear friend or a dire enemy. Learn how PMs identify problems before projects start to lag, and discover how to apply their proven techniques to your company.

Risk Management R125 Quantifying Damages After a Catastrophe

by C. Daigle & T. Scott When it comes to financially surviving a catastrophe, it’s often a matter of prepare or perish. Learn how to develop a loss recovery plan before a loss occurs.

R126 Captive Insurance: Is It Right for Your Company? by J. Williams & B. Kirkell Captives are a popular way to insure construction projects. Review the pros and cons, and find out if this insurance product makes sense for your company.

R127 The Potential Dangers of a Partial Waiver or Release of Claims & Liens by J. Venzie Discover ways to minimize the risk of partial wavier/ release forms, learn how to save money through arbitration clauses, and examine the three common dangers of every construction contract.

R128 Commercial General Liability Coverage for Construction Defects by K. Reutter This article identifies the reasons for CGL restrictions, and explains how to manage construction defect risk with alternative insurance program structures and risk management techniques.

R129 Management Accountability for Safety by G. Stefan When managers are held accountable for safety performance, results improve. Learn how to structure and implement a bonus-based safety accountability program at your company.

R130 IT Security by M. Lassonde Understand how even well-intentioned employees can wreak havoc on your company’s technology systems, learn IT controls to prevent innocent disasters, and examine methods to minimize the potential damage to your company.

R131 How Badly Does Your Umbrella Leak? by R. Heuer Contractors buy insurance for a rainy day, but few maintain water-tight coverage. Learn how to find, and plug, holes in CGL and Umbrella policies.

R132 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Material Shortages & Price Escalations by M. Ellis, R. Earl & K. Evans Once again, CFMA releases a preview of the popular Financial Survey Hot Topic results.

R133 Benchmarking & Best Practices in Construction Risk Management by S. Davis From indemnity case rates to general liability losses and Additional Insured endorsements, this article provides the numbers you need to benchmark your company’s risk management program.

R134 Power Up Your Accruals: Cost Allocation for Risk Costs by K. Reutter Many contractors view risk costs as the common coverages required on every job, but there are other risks to quantify. Get expert advice on how to protect your company (and its bottom line) with a more thorough approach to the cost allocation of risk.

Surety S27 Surety 101: How Sureties Evaluate Contractors

by L. Schubert Find out how to obtain the maximum surety credit. Includes a Pre-Qualification Checklist and a Contractor Check-Up.

S28 Surety 101: The Surety Claim Process by L. Schubert Review the nuts and bolts of surety bonds – what they are, how they work, and what to do when your company has a claim.

S29 Surety: Will Tomorrow Look Like Yesterday? by G. Heekin Get an insider’s view on the issues, variables, and dynamics that define the surety industry today, and learn about the possible role of alternative risk-factoring solutions in the future.

Tax & Legislative Issues T102 Tool Allowances & Tax Consequences

by J. Dunn II, C. Marlowe & A. Clark Incorrect tool allowances can cost both your company and its employees. Get information on a recent Revenue Ruling and important court cases that impact your company’s tool allowance policies.

T103 S Corporations: Basis, the Sting Tax & Reasonable Compensation by D. Ruther The IRS is taking a closer look at S corporations. To ensure your company’s full compliance, check out this “back-to-basics” review of S corporation tax issues.

T104 New Tax Law Provides Tax Relief, Leaves Some Tax Provisions Unsettled by J. Kummer The Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (TIPRA) gives a $70 billion tax-cut, adds new incentives for businesses, and tightens several tax compliance rules. Here’s what you need to know.

T105 A CFMA Special Report: DPAD Regulations Finalized, Part 1 by R. Shavell Contractors could significantly reduce their tax burdens when the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD) is fully implemented. Learn about the deductions qualifying activities, safe harbors, and de minimis exceptions, and discover how much your company can really save. This report includes sample calculations and a summary of rules for construction companies that provide architectural and engineering services.

T106 A CFMA Special Report: DPAD Regulations Finalized, Part 2 by R. Shavell DPAD is one of the largest construction tax breaks in recent history – reducing the corporate tax burden on qualifying activities by as much as 3% this year and up to 9% beginning in 2010. This article explains the nuts and bolts of this deduction, and shows you how to reduce your company’s tax burden, expand profitability, and increase cash flow.

T107 Tax Credits & Incentives You Should Know About by T. Johnson Federal programs provide millions of dollars each year in tax incentives, and your company could be eligible. Find out how to take advantage of Uncle Sam’s generosity, help your community, and add a few more dollars to your company’s bottom line.

T108 Lien Laws & Out-of-State Construction Projects by L. Weintraub Working in another state can be a very lucrative, but risky, business. Learn how to protect your company’s lien rights before it undertakes an out-of-state project.

CFMA’s Annual Report AR16 2005-2006 Treasurer’s Report by G. Rebeck

CFMA’s Financial Survey FS17 CFMA’s 2006 Financial Survey Results by M. Ellis, R. Earl & K. Evans

2005 EDITORIAL INDEX ACCOUNTING & REPORTING A100 Corporate Accountability: Tech Solutions for Sarbanes-Oxley

by J. Upton Sarbanes-Oxley affects all contractors, both public and private. Get information on SEC regulatory amendments, find out how enterprise software aids in compliance, and learn how the provisions could impact your company.

A101 Cash Is the Lifeblood of Every Contractor by A. Stagliano Learn how to infuse your operations with more cash – plus, benefit from two tried-and-true checklists: “A 30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism” and “A 20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow.”

A102 Revenue Recognition: EITF 99-19 & EITF 00-21 by J. Rego & E. Wallace In the past, EITFs have been ignored by CFMs and their advisors. This article analyzes two examples that illustrate how EITFs clarify and refine the application of GAAP.

A103 The Battle for Private Company GAAP by E. Wallace The survey results and recommendations of the AICPA’s Private Company Financial Reporting Task Force are in and the debate over GAAP for private companies continues.

A104 Reporting the Domestic Production Activities Deduction by G. Parrott What is the Domestic Production Activities Deduction? Does your company qualify? How do you report it? Read about the potential tax benefits of the “American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.”

A105 A Second Look at Deferred Compensation by J. Kelleher The provisions of §409A and an important court case have reshaped deferred compensation. Learn what’s changed, what’s new, and what’s required to comply.

CASH MANAGEMENT CM42 Cash Is the Lifeblood of Every Contractor

by A. Stagliano Learn how to infuse your operations with more cash – plus, benefit from two tried-and-true checklists: “A 30-Point Diagnostic for a Possible Cash Flow Embolism” and “A 20-Point Prescription for a Healthy Cash Flow.”

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY C120 Using CPM Scheduling to Successfully Manage & Complete Projects

by M. Contreras & A. Van de Werken Scheduling has always been an important, but time-consuming, task. Today, computers make scheduling more accurate and efficient. Here’s what you need to know.

C121 Corporate Accountability: Tech Solutions for Sarbanes-Oxley by J. Upton Sarbanes-Oxley affects all contractors, both public and private. Get information on SEC regulatory amendments, find out how enterprise software aids in compliance, and learn how the provisions could impact your company.

C122 There Goes the Paper Trail: A Project-Based Approach to Document Imaging by J. Safin Selecting and implementing a document imaging system is straightforward, uncomplicated, and (almost) painless with this step-by-step process.

C123 “O” is for Learning: An Online Education Primer by J. Magnuson The Internet is a great tool for contractors and their staffs. Find out if online learning makes sense for your company.

C124 CPM & Recovery Schedules: Braving the Seas of Project Change by M. Contreras & A. Van de Werken All jobs endure stormy weather. But, with accurate recovery schedules, contractors can react quickly and efficiently to the undertow of unexpected delays, and even accelerate their jobs.

C125 New Lines of Communication: The Financial Impact of VoIP by M. Dow More than a pretty acronym, VoIP is a convenient technology that saves money and actually works, most of the time.

C126 Best in Class Technology Investment Decisions by R. Werner

Can you accurately measure the impact of your company’s IT spending? Learn to analyze investments – both those that involve technology and those that don’t – by assessing how far they move your company toward Best in Class benchmarks.

C127 SQL: Your Database Librarian by M. Dexter Behind the scenes, SQL quietly manages the inflow and outflow of information. Weigh such benefits as security, reliability, transparency, portability, and flexibility against SQL’s additional costs and hardware requirements.

C128 Building the Virtual Office – In a Pick-Up Truck! by R. King & A. Pisarek If working on the road is a challenge, a virtual office might be the answer. Find out how one contractor implemented productive, cost-effective technologies in the field.

C129 Microsoft .NET: The Promise of Connected Computing by V. Marshall & S. Lewis Discover the good and bad behind Microsoft’s newest innovation.

C130 Construction Technology: IT & Strategic Thinking by C. Burger Take a step beyond everyday IT to analyze the strategies behind your technology decisions.

C131 The Top Three CFM Challenges & Their Technology Solutions by C. Bell Project cost control, data management, the bid process – explore these CFO hurdles to business longevity.

C132 Managing Technology Risks, Part 1: The IT Environment by V. Marshall & S. Lewis In construction, unforeseen risks equal uncontrolled perils. Uncover the hidden dangers in your IT environment.

C133 Wireless Networks: A Practical Guide for Contractors by W. Burkan If wireless is so great, why don’t more contractors implement it? Look at the risks inherent in wireless technology – and discover their remedies.

C134 IT Trends Roundtable by C. Burger, R. Hartman, M. Ragan & J. Shackleton, Jr. These industry insiders make the supercharged world of tech accessible to every CFM as they discuss integration, connectivity, and business strategy.

THE LEADER’S LETTER LD21 How to Reinvigorate Your 2005 New Year’s Resolutions

by D. Blohowiak How quickly did you make (and break) your New Year’s resolutions? Explore seven techniques that transform ineffective self-promises into energizing tools for personal and professional growth.

LEGAL ISSUES L36 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction Lawyer

by F. Riggs, Jr. Discover the six “Cs” of the ideal construction lawyer, the secrets to successful lawyer/client relationships, and the proven methods to keep billings to a minimum without sacrificing the quality or quantity of your company’s legal services.

L37 A Healthy Benefits Package: Tools to Reduce Healthcare Costs by J. Higgins Get information on the rules, risks, and rewards of Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and Health Reimbursement Accounts.

L38 An Employer’s Guide to HIPAA Compliance by M. A. Egan Find out how to implement the infamous “H” word in the workplace.

L39 Loss Prevention & Control Practices for GMP Contracts by P. Wallace & M. Kling For contractors, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts ensure predetermined revenues, even though scope creep, change orders, and an assortment of cost-recovery issues can erode profit.

Understanding how owners manage GMP contracts can help mitigate risk and lead to smoother projects with fewer last-minute costs.

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP M95 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Strategic Planning

by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & B. Carlson Fact: Contractors with a strategic plan outperform those without one. Find out why.

M96 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction CPA by D. Krech Not only can construction CPAs total your bottom line, they can also add to it. Examine the many roles of a construction CPA and learn how to select the right one for your company.

M97 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction Lawyer by F. Riggs, Jr. Discover the six “Cs” of the ideal construction lawyer, the secrets to successful lawyer/client relationships, and the proven methods to keep billings to a minimum without sacrificing the quality or quantity of your company’s legal services.

M98 How to Reinvigorate Your 2005 New Year’s Resolutions by D. Blohowiak How quickly did you make (and break) your New Year’s resolutions? Explore seven techniques that transform ineffective self-promises into energizing tools for personal and professional growth.

M99 Customer Positioning Model for Contractors by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson By analyzing the cost drivers that matter the most, contractors finally have a method to measure, evaluate, and adjust the profitability of customers – and almost everything else.

M100 Best in Class Technology Investment Decisions by R. Werner Can you accurately measure the impact of your company’s IT spending? Learn to analyze investments – both those that involve technology and those that don’t – by assessing how far they move your company toward Best in Class benchmarks.

M101 Construction Technology: IT & Strategic Thinking by C. Burger Take a step beyond everyday IT to analyze the strategies behind your technology decisions.

M102 The Death of Customer Loyalty by J. Kissane Loyal clients add to the bottom line. See how customer retention improves internal relationships, increases sales, and boosts revenue. Plus, learn to acquire and retain loyal clients.

M103 The Death of Employee Loyalty by J. Kissane Work environment, communication, and organizational effectiveness are as critical to employee satisfaction as a robust compensation package. Discover the true cost of disloyalty, and learn 10 ways to retain and motivate employees.

M104 IT Trends Roundtable by C. Burger, R. Hartman, M. Ragan & J. Shackleton, Jr. These industry insiders make the supercharged world of tech accessible to every CFM as they discuss integration, connectivity, and business strategy.

PERSONNEL & BENEFITS ISSUES P74 A Healthy Benefits Package: Tools to Reduce Healthcare Costs

by J. Higgins Get information on the rules, risks, and rewards of Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and Health Reimbursement Accounts.

P75 An Employer’s Guide to HIPAA Compliance by M. A. Egan Find out how to implement the infamous “H” word in the workplace.

P76 “O” is for Learning: An Online Education Primer by J. Magnuson The Internet is a great tool for contractors and their staffs. Find out if online learning makes sense for your company.

P77 Minimizing the Risks of Employee Termination by T. Jones & C. Perry Hiring is hard. Firing is harder. Learn how to protect your company with this proactive approach to employee termination.

P78 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Employee Incentives & Bonuses by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & K. Evans For the second year, CFMA releases a sneak-peak at the Financial Survey’s Hot Topic results, including an exclusive analysis of compensation strategies.

P79 Hiring Top Performers by C. Corelli Given rapid changes in our industry, financial skills comprise only a small part of a top performer’s profile. Find out how to pinpoint potential winners with this step-by-step guide to hiring bright, talented, and passionate people.

P80 The Death of Employee Loyalty by J. Kissane Work environment, communication, and organizational effectiveness are as critical to employee satisfaction as a robust compensation package. Discover the true cost of disloyalty, and learn 10 ways to retain and motivate employees.

P81 Travel & Expense Reimbursement Policies by K. Franco For many CFMs, travel and expense reimbursements are a normal part of doing business. Find out about accountable plans, per diem allowances, and temporary stay regulations.

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

PT39 Using CPM Scheduling to Successfully Manage & Complete Projects by M. Contreras & A. Van de Werken Scheduling has always been an important, but time-consuming, task. Today, computers make scheduling more accurate and efficient. Here’s what you need to know.

PT40 CFMA’s Financial Survey Hot Topic: Strategic Planning by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & B. Carlson Fact: Contractors with a strategic plan outperform those without one. Find out why.

PT41 A CFM’s Role in Job Process Improvement by L. Shiner Run jobs more effectively and increase profits with these simple changes.

PT42 A Project Communication Model: Targeting Contractor Insurance by D. James & D. Tsonis With a little know-how, you can integrate insurance with your company’s financial, operational, and field processes – and better protect your company.

PT43 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction CPA by D. Krech Not only can construction CPAs total your bottom line, they can also add to it. Examine the many roles of a construction CPA and learn how to select the right one for your company.

PT44 How to Make the Best Use of Your Construction Lawyer by F. Riggs, Jr. Discover the six “Cs” of the ideal construction lawyer, the secrets to successful lawyer/client relationships, and the proven methods to keep billings to a minimum without sacrificing the quality or quantity of your company’s legal services.

PT45 Customer Positioning Model for Contractors by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson By analyzing the cost drivers that matter the most, contractors finally have a method to measure, evaluate, and adjust the profitability of customers – and almost everything else.

PT46 CPM & Recovery Schedules: Braving the Seas of Project Change by M. Contreras & A. Van de Werken All jobs endure stormy weather. But, with accurate recovery schedules, contractors can react quickly and efficiently to the undertow of unexpected delays, and even accelerate their jobs.

PT47 Six Secrets to Effective Scope Management by F. Leggio, Jr. & J. Schelske Get the inside scoop on scope. Read about the six proven steps of effective scope management.

PT48 Best in Class Technology Investment Decisions by R. Werner Can you accurately measure the impact of your company’s IT spending? Learn to analyze investments – both those that involve technology and those that don’t – by assessing how far they move your company toward Best in Class benchmarks.

PT49 SQL: Your Database Librarian by M. Dexter Behind the scenes, SQL quietly manages the inflow and outflow of information. Weigh such benefits as security, reliability, transparency, portability, and flexibility against SQL’s additional costs and hardware requirements.

PT50 Building the Virtual Office – In a Pick-Up Truck! by R. King & A. Pisarek If working on the road is a challenge, a virtual office might be the answer. Find out how one contractor implemented productive, cost-effective technologies in the field.

PT51 The Top Three CFM Challenges & Their Technology Solutions by C. Bell Project cost control, data management, the bid process – explore these CFO hurdles to business longevity.

PT52 The Death of Customer Loyalty by J. Kissane Loyal clients add to the bottom line. See how customer retention improves internal relationships, increases sales, and boosts revenue. Plus, learn to acquire and retain loyal clients.

PT53 The Hidden Impact of Rising Material Costs by C. Daigle & T. Scott Rising material costs increase bid prices. But, could they cost your company jobs? Learn to avoid the cost assumptions behind insurance coverage and prevent lost work.

PT54 The Impact of Job Planning on Profits by P. Daneshgari & M. Wilson Learn an innovative method to measure job progress, monitor worker efficiency, analyze expected earnings, and more accurately predict job profitability.

PT55 Hiring Top Performers by C. Corelli Given rapid changes in our industry, financial skills comprise only a small part of a top performer’s profile. Find out how to pinpoint potential winners with this step-by-step guide to hiring bright, talented, and passionate people.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERIES PM1 Introduction to Project Management & the Project Lifecycle

by M. Gibson Understanding the language of project management can prove challenging – particularly if you don’t know its concepts, buzz words, or practical applications.

This project management primer will help you interact more successfully with your PMs – relative to systems theory, project lifecycles, and resource allocation.

PM2 Organizational Trends for Project Management & Business Success by A. Lamb & M. Gibson Whether it’s a multi-million dollar high-rise or a small-scale renovation, well-organized projects are more successful. Learn the major organizational forms and discover how the pros structure projects.

PM3 Planning Construction Projects: A Primer for Contractors by M. Gibson Learn about the origin of a job – from the art of project selection to the science of work breakdown structure (WBS) decomposition. And, discover how your client’s project planning and design tools can help your company deliver more efficient jobs and improve operations.

PM4 Procurement in Construction: The PM’s Viewpoint by M. Gibson From planning and solicitation to administration and close out, here’s everything you need to know about construction procurement.

REAL LIFE ADVENTURES RL7 Building the Virtual Office – In a Pick-Up Truck!

by R. King & A. Pisarek If working on the road is a challenge, a virtual office might be the answer. Find out how one contractor implemented productive, cost-effective technologies in the field.

RL8 Lessons Learned: The Value of Construction Financial Managers by J. Jordan, Jr. Ever wonder what you’re worth? See why CFMs are so important to the industry.

RISK MANAGEMENT R115 A Project Communication Model: Targeting Contractor Insurance

by D. James & D. Tsonis With a little know-how, you can integrate insurance with your company’s financial, operational, and field processes – and better protect your company.

R116 Loss Prevention & Control Practices for GMP Contracts by P. Wallace & M. Kling For contractors, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts ensure predetermined revenues, even though scope creep, change orders, and an assortment of cost-recovery issues can erode profit.

Understanding how owners manage GMP contracts can help mitigate risk and lead to smoother projects with fewer last-minute costs.

R117 Six Secrets to Effective Scope Management by F. Leggio, Jr. & J. Schelske Get the inside scoop on scope. Read about the six proven steps of effective scope management.

R118 Minimizing the Risks of Employee Termination by T. Jones & C. Perry Hiring is hard. Firing is harder. Learn how to protect your company with this proactive approach to employee termination.

R119 Customized Insurance for Contractors by J. Segall Learn the hazards of generic insurance policies, and discover how to customize your company’s coverage with tailor-made definitions, exclusions, and conditions.

R120 Bankers & Sureties: Can’t We Just Get Along? by D. Sauerman, T. Cavanaugh & S. Kolbrenner In this pull-no-punches dialogue, these insiders discuss the state of their industries, including ownership transition, underwriting standards, collateral issues, contractor balance sheets, and the current lending environment.

R121 Managing Technology Risks, Part 1: The IT Environment by V. Marshall & S. Lewis In construction, unforeseen risks equal uncontrolled perils. Uncover the hidden dangers in your IT environment.

R122 The Hidden Impact of Rising Material Costs by C. Daigle & T. Scott Rising material costs increase bid prices. But, could they cost your company jobs? Learn to avoid the cost assumptions behind insurance coverage and prevent lost work.

R123 Wireless Networks: A Practical Guide for Contractors by W. Burkan If wireless is so great, why don’t more contractors implement it? Look at the risks inherent in wireless technology – and discover their remedies.

R124 Emerging Trends in Construction Insurance by S. Davis This year, insurance companies took another series of hard hits. Here’s what to expect.

SURETY S25 Bankers & Sureties: Can’t We Just Get Along?

by D. Sauerman, T. Cavanaugh & S. Kolbrenner In this pull-no-punches dialogue, these insiders discuss the state of their industries, including ownership transition, underwriting standards, collateral issues, contractor balance sheets, and the current lending environment.

S26 Turning Opportunities into Reality by M. Strahan It takes more than solid financials to convince your surety to back a project, especially if the job exceeds your company’s standard work. Discover what’s needed to gain backing for that “once-in-a-lifetime” job.

TAX & LEGISLATIVE ISSUES T94 Prospects Unclear for Fundamental Tax Reform & Permanent Tax Relief

by J. Kummer Does President Bush’s re-election plus a Republican majority in Congress equal additional tax relief for contractors? This article analyzes the president’s second-term tax agenda.

T95 The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 by R. Shavell The American Jobs Creation Act means new work, extra deductions, a 15-year recovery period, and reduced sales taxes for contractors who qualify. Get an expert summary of this legislation and its implications for construction.

T96 The Tax & Business Implications of Joint Ventures by J. Colwell & C. Turner, IV Here’s practical advice to help protect your company from the “unforeseen” tax consequences of a joint venture.

T97 The Dollar Consequences of the Streamlined Sales Tax Project by W. Buechler, Jr. & K. Low, Jr. Today’s bid is tomorrow’s margin. With that in mind, this article analyzes the potential impact of the Streamlined Sales Tax Project on your company’s financial well-being.

T98 Lessons to Plan By: An Estate Tax Update by A. Clark CFMs often act as stewards for a company’s assets from generation to generation. Learn several estate planning milestones, mistakes, and missteps from recent court cases.

T99 Reporting the Domestic Production Activities Deduction by G. Parrott What is the Domestic Production Activities Deduction? Does your company qualify? How do you report it? Read about the potential tax benefits of the “American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.”

T100 Milestones in Tax, Energy & Highway Funding Reform by J. Kummer Read about information on energy and highway legislation and an update on the President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform.

T101 Travel & Expense Reimbursement Policies by K. Franco For many CFMs, travel and expense reimbursements are a normal part of doing business. Find out about accountable plans, per diem allowances, and temporary stay regulations.

CFMA’S ANNUAL REPORT AR15 2004-2005 Treasurer’s Report

by K. Schlueter

CFMA’S FINANCIAL SURVEY FS16 CFMA’s 2005 Financial Survey Results

by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & K. Evans Highlights from the Executive Summary of this year’s Financial Survey profile the industry and provide valuable benchmarking data. Also, benefit from expert commentary on the industry’s compensation practices.

2004 EDITORIAL INDEX ACCOUNTING A89 Contractor Accounting Methods: The 10+ Choices

by E. Wallace Examine the different accounting method choices available to contractors and compare each in light of IRS rules and regulations.

A90 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by F. Riggs, Jr. A contractor’s ability to be paid properly for extra and changed work is vital to its ever-shrinking profit margin. This article outlines a plan that CFMs can follow to ensure their companies are paid for all work performed on a project.

A91 What Is Job Cost? A Guide for Contractors by K. Fetridge This classic article delves into the differences between direct and indirect job costs, and provides both an overview of allocation methods and an explanation of what to consider when setting up a job cost accounting system.

A92 How to Develop a Chart of Accounts for a Construction Business by J. Henderson Your chart of accounts is the foundation upon which much of your company’s financial success is built. Learn what’s needed to succeed and why you must begin with the end in mind.

A93 Equipment Costing & Tax Issues by T. Cummins & R. Wilson Contractors’ use of and investment in equipment is on the rise. Here are the accounting and tax ramifications related to how such costs are managed.

A94 Profit Improvement: The Process by J. Dunton Increase overall profitability with every project with this five-step plan that increases employee commitment and involvement while refining company processes.

A95 FIN 46: What Does It Mean for Contractors? by L. Filener FIN 46 requirements affect contractors both large and small, spelling out disclosure/consolidation scenarios and adding complexity to certain financial relationships.

A96 Gateways to Profits: Change Order & Project Management Software by J. Chaney Revisit the importance of tracking change orders to improve profit margins.

A97 Accounting Methods for Joint Ventures by K. Cole Learn the basics of joint ventures, including how to properly record them in your financial statements.

A98 Contractor Fraud Alert by L. Van Horn & J. Henderson Fraud costs billions each year, and those you trust are the most likely culprits. Examine the underlying causes of occupational fraud and find out how to protect your company’s profits. Note: This article also contains a five-page “Fraud Susceptibility Worksheet.”

A99 A Practical Understanding of ESOP Valuations by S. Kolbrenner Discover the art and science of ESOP valuations, and learn how to improve the value of your company.

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY C111 Web-Based Project Management: Avoiding Misconceptions to Maximize Returns!

by M. Bostleman Find out the truth behind the myths you may have heard: Web-based applications can hold many advantages for contractors looking to “work smarter.”

C112 Software Training: Variations on a Theme by J. Safin Software training, either in a classroom or online, is one investment that quickly yields a big return, speeding up the learning curve and improving productivity.

C113 IT & the Construction Industry: Five Legal Risks by D. Nestel Learn five costly risks inherent in the use of technology and five tips on how to avoid or mitigate them.

C114 Software License Agreements by C. Burger This article provides insider information on the components of software license agreements, as well as suggestions for alternative language.

C115 Gateways to Profits: Change Order & Project Management Software by J. Chaney Revisit the importance of tracking change orders to improve profit margins.

C116 Spreadsheets with Something Extra by L. Mahoney & J. Welch Increase the impact of your spreadsheets with easy-to-create graphic messages and input boxes.

C117 Is aecXML Dead? An Update by K. Koenig Explore aecXML – what it is, where it’s going, and how it could change the construction industry.

C118 Construction ERP Software: Balancing Data Between Finance & The Field by G. Rawlins This article describes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, provides selection tips, and presents a real-world example of an ERP’s impact on one contractor.

C119 Spam: Taking a “Byte” Out of Your Profits by S. Lewis

Once a minor annoyance, spam is now a major IT expense. Discover how spam absorbs bandwidth, increases support costs, and dramatically decreases employee productivity.

LEGAL ISSUES L31 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 1 – There’s More to a Contract than Meets the Eye: Implied Contractual

Obligations by R. Chambers Take a closer look at the obligations that are implied, albeit not specifically expressed, in the typical construction contract.

L32 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 2 – Signing Away the Family Farm: Contractor’s Consent to Assignment of Contract by S. McGreevy Lenders often require assurance agreements from contractors. However, as the number of these required agreements continues to grow, more risk is being shifted to contractors. Here’s what you should know to protect your company from potential liability.

L33 IT & the Construction Industry: Five Legal Risks by D. Nestel Learn five costly risks inherent in the use of technology and five tips on how to avoid or mitigate them.

L34 Software License Agreements by C. Burger This article provides insider information on the components of software license agreements, as well as suggestions for alternative language.

L35 Employees, Company Vehicles & Contractor Liability Issues by T. Jones & C. Brown Employers can be liable for their employees’ mistakes behind the wheel. This article details how to mitigate this often overlooked risk.

THE LEADER’S LETTER LD17 Debunking Leadership Myths

by D. Blohowiak Discover seven popular myths about leadership and learn why each one, while appearing to be sound, is actually riddled with flaws that can sabotage your efforts to lead effectively.

LD18 Serving Purpose by D. Blohowiak Learn how purpose drives everyday people to become extraordinary leaders.

LD19 Pretending Not To Know by D. Blohowiak Denial is a very human trait, but it’s not a useful management tool. Uncover the information that you’re pretending not to know.

LD20 A Better Way To Meet by D. Blohowiak Meetings can either contribute or detract from your productivity. Learn how to make your meetings more constructive.

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP M89 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success

by J. Henderson This article explains the ratios and benchmarks to guide your company on its journey to financial success.

M90 Debunking Leadership Myths by D. Blohowiak Discover seven popular myths about leadership and learn why each one, while appearing to be sound, is actually riddled with flaws that can sabotage your efforts to lead effectively.

M91 Key Performance Indicators That Drive Value by T. Emison This article provides a different take on performance measurement by looking at non-financial variables that can be quantified to gauge success. The 10 key performance indicators discussed go “outside the box” and strike at the heart of every construction company.

M92 The Financial Dating Game: Choosing a CPA by J. Metz Learn how to conduct an effective auditor search and what to look for when selecting this critical component of your financial team.

M93 Defining Leadership for Construction Financial Managers by D. Blohowiak Learn five strategies that can boost your confidence, strengthen your workplace relationships, and make you a more effective leader – especially if you find yourself leading from the side or middle.

M94 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Projects by L. Smither & C. Bell Well-run projects create well-earned revenue. Understand how to make projects more efficient and more profitable.

PERSONNEL & BENEFITS ISSUES P61 Profit Improvement: The Process

by J. Dunton Increase overall profitability with every project with this five-step plan that increases employee commitment and involvement while refining company processes.

P62 Construction Asset Theft Protection 101 by K. Quinley Follow these theft prevention procedures and insurance tips to reduce your company’s exposure to jobsite theft from both outside perpetrators and “inside” employees.

P63 Contractor Executive Pay 2003-2004 by R. Phillips & J. Robinson Today, industry optimism has been replaced by “hopeful cautiousness” as the economy and world events continue to impact everyone’s bottom line. Here’s what CFMs can expect in the coming year.

P64 Beating the High Cost of Employee Turnover by K. Joyce Effective hiring practices can help contractors attract and retain the best employees – and reduce the impact of employee turnover.

P65 412(i) Defined Benefit Plans: New Guidance from the IRS by David E. Peritz & Jeffrey M. Jaskol The IRS is at it again and, while 412(i) plans hold certain advantages for contractors and their employees, the new rules mean special care is needed to ensure full compliance.

P66 Healthcare Benefit Trends: Driving Forces/Proposed Solutions by E. Parmenter MSAs, HSAs, FSAs, Archer accounts: Here’s the latest on the federal government’s proposed solutions for spiraling healthcare costs.

P67 ESOPs: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls by N. Dittmer & B. Worth Anti-abuse rules and other changes mean new compliance standards for closely held contractors that use ESOPs to meet financial, tax, and employee benefit objectives.

P68 Software Training: Variations on a Theme by J. Safin Software training, either in a classroom or online, is one investment that quickly yields a big return, speeding up the learning curve and improving productivity.

P69 The SSA Mismatch Letter & the I-9 Form by J. Pace Employee verification can be a confusing maze of agencies and forms. Discover the best way to handle SSA mismatch letters, comply with federal requirements, and avoid the costly penalties of employee discrimination.

P70 Staff Compensation by J. Robinson & R. Phillips The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects more than a million new construction jobs by 2012. Get the latest on current pay and benefit issues, so you can keep the staff you have – and take a look ahead, so you can find the staff you’ll need.

P71 Contractor Fraud Alert by L. Van Horn & J. Henderson Fraud costs billions each year, and those you trust are the most likely culprits. Examine the underlying causes of occupational fraud and find out how to protect your company’s profits. Note: This article also contains a five-page “Fraud Susceptibility Worksheet.”

P72 Employees, Company Vehicles & Contractor Liability Issues by T. Jones & C. Brown Employers can be liable for their employees’ mistakes behind the wheel. This article details how to mitigate this often overlooked risk.

P73 Prudent 401(k) Planning: Investment Policy Statements & Plan Expenses by S. Hacker Learn about a fiduciary’s responsibility for the 401(k) investment policy statement and plan expenses – including hidden fees.

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS PT24 Performance Measurement: The Guideposts on Your Road to Success

by J. Henderson This article explains the ratios and benchmarks to guide your company on its journey to financial success.

PT25 Practical Recommendations for Documenting & Demonstrating Extra Work Costs by F. Riggs, Jr. A contractor’s ability to be paid properly for extra and changed work is vital to its ever-shrinking profit margin. This article outlines a plan that CFMs can follow to ensure their companies are paid for all work performed on a project.

PT26 How to Develop a Chart of Accounts for a Construction Business by J. Henderson Your chart of accounts is the foundation upon which much of your company’s financial success is built. Learn what’s needed to succeed and why you must begin with the end in mind.

PT27 Key Performance Indicators That Drive Value by T. Emison This article provides a different take on performance measurement by looking at non-financial variables that can be quantified to gauge success. The 10 key performance indicators discussed go “outside the box” and strike at the heart of every construction company.

PT28 Using Benchmarks & Metrics to Become a “Best in Class” Contractor by R. Werner Go straight to the core financial metrics needed to measure and monitor project performance – and learn how this information can be presented to yield quick and accurate answers, as well as to pinpoint where problems may be brewing.

PT29 The Financial Dating Game: Choosing a CPA by J. Metz Learn how to conduct an effective auditor search and what to look for when selecting this critical component of your financial team.

PT30 Profit Improvement: The Process by J. Dunton Increase overall profitability with every project by using this five-step plan that increases employee commitment and involvement while refining company processes.

PT31 Web-Based Project Management: Avoiding Misconceptions to Maximize Returns! by M. Bostleman Find out the truth behind the myths you may have heard: Web-based applications do hold many advantages for contractors looking to “work smarter.”

PT32 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Projects by L. Smither & C. Bell Well-run projects create well-earned revenue. Understand how to make projects more efficient and more profitable.

PT33 Gateways to Profits: Change Order & Project Management Software by J. Chaney Revisit the importance of tracking change orders to improve profit margins.

PT34 Spreadsheets with Something Extra by L. Mahoney & J. Welch Increase the impact of your spreadsheets with easy-to-create graphic messages and input boxes.

PT35 Contractor Fraud Alert by L. Van Horn & J. Henderson Fraud costs billions each year, and those you trust are the most likely culprits. Examine the underlying causes of occupational fraud and find out how to protect your company’s profits. Note: This article also contains a five-page “Fraud Susceptibility Worksheet.”

PT36 Construction ERP Software: Balancing Data Between Finance & The Field by G. Rawlins This article describes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, provides selection tips, and presents a real-world example of an ERP’s impact on one contractor.

PT37 A Better Way To Meet by D. Blohowiak Meetings can either contribute or detract from your productivity. Learn how to make your meetings more constructive.

PT38 Seven Practical Success Factors for New Contractors by E. Dunn All contractors go into business expecting to be successful – but many fail. Here are seven ways to improve your company’s chances of success.

RISK MANAGEMENT R103 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 1 – There’s More to a Contract than Meets the Eye: Implied Contractual

Obligations by R. Chambers Take a closer look at the obligations that are implied, albeit not specifically expressed, in the typical construction contract.

R104 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 2 – Signing Away the Family Farm: Contractor’s Consent to Assignment of Contract by S. McGreevy Lenders often require assurance agreements from contractors. However, as the number of these required agreements continues to grow, more risk is being shifted to contractors. Here’s what you should know to protect your company from potential liability.

R105 Construction Asset Theft Protection 101 by K. Quinley Follow these theft prevention procedures and insurance tips to reduce your company’s exposure to jobsite theft from both outside perpetrators and “inside” employees.

R106 Healthcare Benefit Trends: Driving Forces/Proposed Solutions by E. Parmenter MSAs, HSAs, FSAs, Archer accounts: Here’s the latest on the federal government’s proposed solutions for spiraling healthcare costs.

R107 IT & The Construction Industry: Five Legal Risks by D. Nestel Learn five costly risks inherent in technology use and five tips on how to avoid or mitigate them.

R108 Organizational Risk Management: Part 1: Managing Construction Risk for Consistent Project Performance by D. Reid & M. Duff Project risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be mitigated. Learn how a dynamic, holistic approach to risk management can help you identify and moderate many of the risks endemic to construction.

R109 Risk Management Action Plan by S. Davis Go behind the scenes with an industry insider for advice on how to safeguard your company (and its bottom line) with a balanced, well-considered approach to the current insurance market.

R110 Environmental Risk Management by D. Eichfeld Asbestos, silica, toxic mold, and stormwater discharges are unavoidable (but insurable) construction risks. Get the latest information on these issues and learn about available coverages.

R111 Contractor Fraud Alert by L. Van Horn & J. Henderson Fraud costs billions each year, and those you trust are the most likely culprits. Examine the underlying causes of occupational fraud and find out how to protect your company’s profits. Note: This article also contains a five-page “Fraud Susceptibility Worksheet.”

R112 Eleven Strategies for Building & Maintaining Surety Relationships in an Uncertain Market by J. Bly & D. Moylan Contractors have not seen a tighter surety market since the Great Depression. Learn 11 strategies to build and maintain a positive, productive relationship with your surety in today’s market.

R113 Once Burned . . . A Surety Broker Puts a Disaster Recovery Plan into Place by C. Rosenberg Read about a devastating fire and the practical disaster recovery plan that was implemented as a result.

R114 Employees, Company Vehicles & Contractor Liability Issues by T. Jones & C. Brown Employers can be liable for their employees’ mistakes behind the wheel. This article details how to mitigate this often overlooked risk.

REAL LIFE ADVENTURES RL6 Once Burned . . . A Surety Broker Puts a Disaster Recovery Plan into Place

by C. Rosenberg Read about a devastating fire and the practical disaster recovery plan that was implemented as a result.

TAX & LEGISLATIVE ISSUES T86 Contractor Accounting Methods: The 10+ Choices

by E. Wallace Examine the different accounting method choices available to contractors and compare each in light of the IRS rules and regulations.

T87 Equipment Costing & Tax Issues by T. Cummins & R. Wilson Contractors’ use of and investment in equipment is on the rise. Here are the accounting and tax ramifications related to how such costs are managed.

T88 412(i) Defined Benefit Plans: New Guidance from the IRS by D. Peritz & J. Jaskol The IRS is at it again and, while 412(i) plans hold certain advantages for contractors and their employees, the new rules mean special care must be used to ensure full compliance.

T89 Healthcare Benefit Trends: Driving Forces/Proposed Solutions by E. Parmenter MSAs, HSAs, FSAs, Archer accounts: Here’s the latest on the federal government’s proposed solutions for spiraling healthcare costs.

T90 ESOPs: Opportunities & Potential Pitfalls by N. Dittmer & B. Worth Anti-abuse rules and other changes mean new compliance standards for closely held contractors that use ESOPs to meet financial, tax, and employee benefit objectives.

T91 The SSA Mismatch Letter & the I-9 Form by J. Pace Employee verification can be a confusing maze of agencies and forms. Discover the best way to handle SSA mismatch letters, comply with federal requirements, and avoid the costly penalties of employee discrimination.

T92 A Practical Understanding of ESOP Valuations by S. Kolbrenner Discover the art and science of ESOP valuations, and learn how to improve the value of your company.

T93 The IRS’ Evolving Definition of a Home Construction Contract by E. Wallace & T. LaCosse Learn the ins and outs of home construction contracts, including their special treatment under the IRC and accompanying regulations.

CFMA’S ANNUAL REPORT AR14 CFMA’s 2003-2004 Treasurer’s Report

by H. Waggoner


by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & B. Carlson Highlights focus on the “Hot Topic” of strategic planning, as well as the results reported by the Best in Class contractors. Learn how your company compares to other contractors.

CFMA’s IT Survey TS1 CFMA’s 2004 IT Survey Results

by E. O’Grady This article provides highlights from CFMA’s 2004 survey results, along with comparisons to the 2002 and 2000 surveys.


ACCOUNTING A81 Internal Controls

by G. Marshall Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls to increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, and defeat fraud.

A82 How to Develop a Chart of Accounts for a Construction Business by J. Henderson, Jr. Back to the basics for a review of this fundamental cash management tool.

A83 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002: Why CFMs Should Care & What Contractors Should Do by T. Bonadio & K. Paul The world of accounting and reporting has changed dramatically – and privately held contractors will feel the repercussions, too.

A84 Accounting & Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees by D. Peritz Learn how FASB Interpretation No. 45 can affect contractors’ financial statements.

A85 FASB 142 Revisited: Is There Goodwill in Construction? by J. Modica FASB 142 requires regular testing of Goodwill value for impairment. Get the facts on how this affects contractors, plus tips on conducting a fair market evaluation.

A86 Valuing Intangible Assets: Implications for Financial Reporting in Construction Companies by R. Alerding, Jr. & M. McLelland Intangibles present problems for CFMs and financial statement users. Learn to properly value these assets in light of FASB 142.

A87 Coordinating Year-End & Tax Planning: Get the Most from Both! by D. Allison & M. Tucker Tax and year-end planning affect each other. Here are strategies to help you successfully coordinate these important processes.

A88 FAS 150: Implications for Contractors by E. Wallace & L. Van Horn

Here is an in-depth look at the provisions of FAS 150, along with construction-specific examples that illustrate how these provisions would affect the balance sheets and income statements of nonpublic contractors.

CASH MANAGEMENT CM35 Cash Flow Formula, Part I: How to Measure Cash

by S. Lords Cash is the common denominator of business – but what does cash really mean? This author’s broadened definition is the basis of a formula that provides greater control when measuring and forecasting cash.

CM36 Cash Flow Formula, Part II: How Operations Impact Cash by S. Lords How business is conducted operationally has more impact on cash flow than any other factor. Learn how properly aligning operations can improve your company’s cash position.

CM37 Cash Flow Formula, Part III: Forecasting Cash by S. Lords What is the secret to successfully forecasting cash? That question and others are answered in the last installment of this series as you learn how past results can help CFMs predict future cash flow.

CM38 Cash Management Banking Tools, Part 1: What’s New? ACH Fraud by D. Sauerman & L. Corkill How to protect your company’s cash and accounts from this newest loophole in bank security.

CM39 Cash Management Banking Tools, Part 2: Electronic Banking & SVCs by L. Corkill & D. Sauerman Examine two recent trends in electronic cash management.

CM40 Internal Controls by G. Marshall Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls to increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, and defeat fraud.

CM41 A Primer on Sound Cash & Credit Management in a Mixed Economy by M. Baumgartner What you need to know to steer your company through the current market challenges.

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY C100 Cash Management Banking Tools, Part 1: What’s New? ACH Fraud

by D. Sauerman & L. Corkill How to protect your company’s cash and accounts from this newest loophole in bank security.

C101 Cash Management Banking Tools, Part 2: Electronic Banking & SVCs by L. Corkill & D. Sauerman Examine two recent trends in electronic cash management.

C102 What’s New for CFMs in Financial Reporting Software? by C. Burger The latest on innovations in G/L and financial reporting software.

C103 Managing the Technically Inclined by S. Lewis Managing a tech staff differs from managing other staff – here’s help for tech and non-tech managers alike.

C104 Making the Connection: Automation, Integration & Specialty Contractors

by L. Goddard How subs can benefit from integrating their service management and accounting systems.

C105 Integration: A Software Vendor’s Perspective by K. Koenig Integration between project management and accounting applications is a topic that sparks much discussion these days. Learn where this technology is headed and how CFMs can improve their integration and collaboration processes.

C106 Data Survivability: Success & the Safety of Corporate Information by M. Peltz Minimizing data loss requires a commitment from staff and an investment in the latest redundant technologies. Find out what you need to know to ensure that your company’s data is protected, wherever it resides.

C107 The Technology Challenge: Satisfying the Owner’s Need for Information by G. McComb & M. Bridgers Providing owners with the data they need in the format they want can be a plus for contractors.

C108 Wireless Applications: A Business Perspective by M. Lassonde Calculate the ROI of your company’s wireless tools to learn which are paying their own way.

C109 The Benefits of Outsourcing Information Technology by W. Quarles Is outsourcing IT right for your company? Here are the facts about outsourcing, plus the questions to ask before signing up and the services to expect from an ASP.

C110 The Present & Future Use of Building Information Models by T. Burns Advances in this latest technology can integrate all of a project’s separate information into one central database, saving time and money.

THE IT SERIES IT4 Part 4: Computers in Construction: Software Selection

by M. Dexter A review of the conventional wisdom and new sensibility surrounding this important process.

IT5 Part 5: Computers in Construction: Successful Software Implementation by M. Dexter The right way to implement new software, based on the author’s more than 25 years’ experience.

IT6 Part 6: Computers in Construction: Underused Technologies in the Construction Industry by M. Dexter This series wraps up with a look at some underutilized IT tools that can benefit contractors.

THE LEADER’S LETTER LD14 What I Hear You Saying Is . . .

by D. Blohowiak Learn a better way to listen and reflect in order to facilitate communication and further understanding.

LD15 Getting to Root Causes by D. Blohowiak Ten reasons why managers can do everything right – and still have terrible results.

LD16 Living by Intention

by D. Blohowiak Are you living the life you want or the life you have? Find out how to live by design, not default.

LEGAL ISSUES L28 Project Labor Agreements: A Thing of the Past . . . or Are They?

by R. Word For the past 70 years, PLAs have been a fact of life on public (and some private) projects. Unions love them. Open-shop contractors do not. Find out what you need to know about PLAs, how they can affect your company’s next job, and why these controversial provisions are once again in the news.

L29 Indemnity & Insurance Requirements from the Sub’s Point of View by B. Cubbage A look at contract risk-shifting terms as they impact subs.

L30 Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Better Way by J. Pitt This article examines the different ADR techniques contractors should know and presents a real-world case study to illustrate how ADR can mitigate conflict.

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP M81 Growing Your Emotional Intelligence for Better Business Results

by P. Wheeler Discover why emotional intelligence skills may help take your career further and better prepare you to handle the challenges you face.

M82 Benchmarking Quality in Construction: The Cost of Poor Performance by A. Costonis Calculate how much money your company may be losing by not doing jobs right the first time.

M83 The Technology Challenge: Satisfying the Owner’s Need for Information by G. McComb & M. Bridgers Providing owners with the data they need in the format they want can be a plus for contractors.

M84 Undaunted Courage: Managing Insurance Costs in Difficult Times by S. Davis Negotiating an effective risk management and insurance program begins with a careful planning process that creates the insurance marketing specifications for your underwriter. This article details what to include in those specs to present your company in the most favorable light.

M85 Coordinating Year-End & Tax Planning: Get the Most from Both! by D. Allison & M. Tucker Tax and year-end planning affect each other. Here are strategies to help you successfully coordinate these important processes.

M86 The 2003 Tax Act: How It Affects Contractors by R. Shavell President Bush’s eagerly anticipated – and hotly debated – 2003 tax relief bill is now the law of the land. Find out what it does and does not do for contractors, and learn how to make its provisions (including the new bonus depreciation and tax rate reductions) work for your company.

M87 The Economic & Construction Outlook by H. Jones The economy is struggling to recover, with both small gains and setbacks marking its progress. This article looks at the state of the economy in general, then focuses on what may be in store for the construction industry and when contractors might look for an upturn in their markets.

M88 The Right Thing: How to Do Ethics on the Job

by D. Blohowiak This article examines some common ethical dilemmas you may face on the job, and provides practical guidance on how to determine if what you are about to do is, in fact, the right thing.

PERSONNEL & BENEFITS ISSUES P58 Growing Your Emotional Intelligence for Better Business Results

by P. Wheeler Discover why emotional intelligence skills may help take your career further and better prepare you to handle the challenges you face.

P59 Managing the Technically Inclined by S. Lewis Managing a tech staff differs from managing other staff – here’s help for tech and non-tech managers alike.

P60 401(k) Investments: Satisfying ERISA’s Fiduciary Rules by F. Reish & F. Santagate This article explains ERISA’s view of fiduciary responsibility and provides an action plan and a checklist you can use to ensure your company’s program is in compliance with ERISA §404(a) and §404(c).

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS PT14 Cash Flow Formula, Part I: How to Measure Cash

by S. Lords Cash is the common denominator of business – but what does cash really mean? This author’s broadened definition is the basis of a formula that provides greater control when measuring and forecasting cash.

PT15 Cash Flow Formula, Part II: How Operations Impact Cash by S. Lords How business is conducted operationally has more impact on cash flow than any other factor. Learn how properly aligning operations can improve your company’s cash position.

PT16 Cash Flow Formula, Part III: Forecasting Cash by S. Lords What is the secret to successfully forecasting cash? That question and others are answered in the last installment of this series as you learn how past results can help CFMs predict future cash flow.

PT17 Internal Controls by G. Marshall Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls to increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, and defeat fraud.

PT18 How to Develop a Chart of Accounts for a Construction Business by J. Henderson, Jr. Back to the basics for a review of this fundamental cash management tool.

PT19 Benchmarking Quality in Construction: The Cost of Poor Performance by A. Costonis Calculate how much money your company may be losing by not doing jobs right the first time.

PT20 Using the New Bonus Depreciation Rules by G. Parrott New legislation provides contractors with a marketing tool that could increase business by saving tax dollars for clients.

PT21 Wireless Applications: A Business Perspective by M. Lassonde Calculate the ROI of your company’s wireless tools to learn which are paying their own way.

PT22 The Benefits of Outsourcing Information Technology by W. Quarles Is outsourcing IT right for your company? Here are the facts about outsourcing, plus the questions to ask before signing up and the services to expect from an ASP.

PT23 Systematic Risk Management for CFMs by C. Martin Subcontractor defaults, overpayments, unfunded lien or bond claims, and other surprises can all contribute to profit slide. Learn how to protect your company (and its bottom line) by adopting a systematic risk management approach to these and other project risks.

RISK MANAGEMENT R89 Internal Controls

by G. Marshall Here are the points to consider when evaluating and implementing cash flow controls to increase cash flow, boost your company’s bottom line, and defeat fraud.

R90 Cash Management Banking Tools, Part 1: What’s New? ACH Fraud by D. Sauerman & L. Corkill How to protect your company’s cash and accounts from this newest loophole in bank security.

R91 Seven Common Insurance Gaps That Can Sabotage Your Coverage by K. Quinley Make sure these gaps are filled before a claim arises!

R92 Self-Insurance: What Every Contractor Should Know by R. Heuer The pros and cons of self-insurance and how to determine if it’s right for your company.

R93 Strategies to Boost Subcontractor Safety by K. Quinley When it comes to jobsite safety, GCs and subs are both responsible. Now, each can learn how to evaluate the safety potential of the other before signing onto a project.

R94 Indemnity & Insurance Requirements from the Sub’s Point of View by B. Cubbage A look at contract risk-shifting terms as they impact subs.

R95 Data Survivability: Success & the Safety of Corporate Information by M. Peltz Minimizing data loss requires a commitment from staff and an investment in the latest redundant technologies. Find out what you need to know to ensure that your company’s data is protected, wherever it resides.

R96 Undaunted Courage: Managing Insurance Costs in Difficult Times by S. Davis Negotiating an effective risk management and insurance program begins with a careful planning process that creates the insurance marketing specifications for your underwriter. This article details what to include in those specs to present your company in the most favorable light.

R97 Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Better Way by J. Pitt This article examines the different ADR techniques contractors should know and presents a real-world case study to illustrate how ADR can mitigate conflict.

R98 Systematic Risk Management for CFMs by C. Martin Subcontractor defaults, overpayments, unfunded lien or bond claims, and other surprises can all contribute to profit slide. Learn how to protect your company (and its bottom line) by adopting a systematic risk management approach to these and other project risks.

R99 De-MYTH-tifying Construction Risk Management by K. Quinley Don’t believe everything you think you know about construction risk management. Learn how and why these 11 myths can prove costly.

R100 Managing Weather Risk: A Primer for Contractors by M. Corbally Discover how these new risk management instruments can provide valuable protection against the whims of Mother Nature.

R101 An Analysis of Contractor Risk in Terminating a Sub by J. Kirsch Terminating a sub can result in harsh penalties to contractors. Know what to do and how to do it to protect your company.

R102 401(k) Investments: Satisfying ERISA’s Fiduciary Rules by F. Reish & F. Santagate This article explains ERISA’s view of fiduciary responsibility and provides an action plan and a checklist you can use to ensure your company’s program is in compliance with ERISA §404(a) and §404(c).

TAX & LEGISLATIVE ISSUES T78 The Science of Making Estimated Tax Payments

by T. Taggart & B. Westrum The rules and strategies to follow to retain your company’s hard-earned cash.

T79 The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002: Why CFMs Should Care & What Contractors Should Do by T. Bonadio & K. Paul The world of accounting & reporting has changed dramatically – and privately held contractors will feel the repercussions, too.

T80 Using the New Bonus Depreciation Rules by G. Parrott New legislation provides contractors with a marketing tool that could increase business by saving tax dollars for clients.

T81 The Answer to the $64,000 Question: When Is a Contract Complete? by A. Clark Learn how the 2001 changes to §460 have affected contract completion and why these changes have created headaches for some contractors.

T82 House & Senate Whittle Down President’s Jobs & Growth Tax Package by J. Kummer A look at the development of the 2003 Tax Act.

T83 A Primer on Contract Documents & Tax Consequences by J. Colwell & M. Joffe Learn how the §460 regs, the date a contract is entered into, the way progress payments, retainages and per diems are handled – and even how the type of contract – can affect a contractor’s tax strategy.

T84 Coordinating Year-End & Tax Planning: Get the Most from Both! by D. Allison & M. Tucker

Tax and year-end planning affect each other. Here are strategies that can help you successfully coordinate both important processes.

T85 The 2003 Tax Act: How It Affects Contractors by R. Shavell President Bush’s eagerly anticipated – and hotly debated – 2003 tax relief bill is now the law of the land. Find out what it does and does not do for contractors, and learn how to make its provisions (including the new bonus depreciation and tax rate reductions) work for your company.

CFMA’S ANNUAL REPORT AR13 CFMA’s 2002-03 Treasurer’s Report

by J. Buck


by M. Ellis, R. Pomering & B. Carlson Highlights focus on the Hot Topic of insurance and the results reported by Best in Class contractors. Learn how other contractors are faring – and how your company stacks up by comparison.


ACCOUNTING A75 The Empowered Role of Audit Committees: A Benefit to the Construction Industry

by A. Reinstein & Mohamed E. Bayou SAS 90 and the SEC have empowered the audit committee. Discover how using one effectively can add credibility and reduce audit costs.

A76 The Surety Crunch: A Tight Market Leads to New Reporting Requirements by R. Benson What to expect – and how to respond.

A77 Maximize Your Financial Reporting: What You Need to Know by L. True Tips for reviewing your financial reporting to ensure your company remains competitive and profitable.

A78 Solving the Mystery of Equipment Rental Rates by R. Wetz & R. Krnavek How ownership and operating costs fit into the rental-rate equation.

A79 The Influence of Technology on Auditing by E. Wallace The impact and ramification of IT on audits.

A80 Business Valuation: A Primer for Our Times by J. London Company valuation has many purposes. This article outlines the reasons why a company may need one and reviews the common methods of valuation.

CASH MANAGEMENT CM 33 Prompt Pay in Arizona: A ‘Real Life’ Success Story

by R. Usher & M. Santoro In his own words, advocate Richard Usher talks about Arizona’s groundbreaking legislation.

CM 34 Getting Paid: A Primer for Both Generals and Subs by A. Ruesch What you should know, and the steps you can take, to protect your company’s rights regarding payment.

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY C88 Specialty Contractors and Their Information Systems in a Consolidated Environment

by C. Burger Consolidation among trade contractors is a fact of life – and can make sense on a number of levels, including IT. Discover new ways to efficiently and cost-effectively consolidate this important business function.

C89 The Unique Automation Requirements of Specialty Contractors by L. Goddard & V. Marshall A look at the specialized software needs of specialty contractors.

C90 Technology & the Bottom Line by R. Komisar Use technology to meet strategic objectives and boost your company’s bottom line.

C91 Streamlining Operations through the Project Life Cycle Integration Model by J. Edwards Thanks to advances in technology, productivity has risen to an all-time high. However, the lack of system integration can create headaches for CFMs and other managers. This article examines integration issues and offers practical advice and solutions on how to plan, implement, and maintain an integrated system.

C92 Getting PMs on Board with a New Information System by M. Plumlee The best-designed system in the world won’t provide the desired results if it’s not used correctly by your PMs. Find out how to obtain their buy-in to increase the efficiency and productivity of your operations.

C93 Successful Software Implementation: How to Maximize Your Applications Investment by G. Herr A look at the process, players, and other components of a successful software implementation.

C94 Technology: Impact on Your Workforce by J. Safin One company’s story serves as a guide for how to successfully integrate and implement technology.

C95 E-Monitoring: Building Up Profits, Tearing Down Costs by S. Kirk Technology comes to the jobsite and changes the way construction companies monitor the building process.

C96 The Influence of Technology on Auditing by E. Wallace The impact and ramification of IT on audits.

C97 Why You Should Insure Against Cyber-Perils by K. Quinley Specialized coverage for specialized exposures in today’s cyber-age.

C98 Data Warehousing: What Is It? by S. Minnock The newest way to store, access, and analyze information for fast and sophisticated results.

C99 Information Technology Outsourcing by B. Butler GCs hire subs because it’s cost-effective. The same can be true for outsourcing technology – it can save

contractors time, money, and headaches while mitigating the risks involved with maintaining an in-house system.

THE IT SERIES IT1 Part 1: Computers in Construction: The Basics

by M. Dexter Created for new CFMs, this six-part series reviews computer usage and applications in the construction industry.

IT2 Part 2: Computers in Construction: Construction Management Software by M. Dexter This installment discusses various construction management applications and identifies important issues to consider.

IT3 Part 3: Computers in Construction: Decisions...Decisions...Decisions... by M. Dexter This article examines various software options available to contractors and discusses the pros and cons associated with each choice.

THE LEADER’S LETTER LD13 Delegation Resistance

by D. Blohowiak How to overcome your employees’ natural resistance to delegation and encourage professional growth.

LEGAL ISSUES L20 Managing Payment Risks: Navigating the Lien Law Maze

by F. Riggs, Jr. For contractors, subs, suppliers, and owners involved in construction projects in more than one state, understanding the various lien laws presents a real challenge. Here are five rules to help you successfully navigate this procedural maze and protect your company’s interests.

L21 Analysis Tools: Assessing the Risk of Disputes by C. Miller Effective dispute management can require making judgments about future events on the basis of incomplete information. As described in this article, litigation risk assessment can assist managers in this process, allowing them to make smarter dispute-management decisions.

L22 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 1: Implied Contractual Obligations by R. Chambers What you see in a written contract is not all that you get – or get into! In addition to the expressed promises and commitments, the law imposes various unstated and implied obligations. Proper disclaimers are needed: Learn what they are and how to use them.

L23 Hidden Contract Pitfalls, Part 2: Contractor’s Consent to Assignment of Contract by S. McGreevy Consent agreements are a normal part of doing business. This article highlights the most common points included in these agreements, and discusses the pros and cons for contractors.

L24 Liquidating Agreements for Pass-Through Claims: Good for GCs and Subs by J. Frymyer, Jr. An introduction to these agreements that help contractors reduce financial liability and risk.

L25 GC Liability: Damages Resulting from a Subcontractor’s OSHA Violations

by C. Kenny OSHA may fine contractors for hazards they do not cause. Here’s what you should know.

L26 Are Your Salaried Employees Really Exempt? What You Need to Know by B. Benrud It takes more than a salary to make an employee exempt. Discover what’s needed to avoid liability.

L27 My Personal Top 10 Killer Contract Clauses by D. Gregory The use of conditional bids can help avoid some of these clauses and the risks associated with them.

MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP M77 Internal Controls for Estimating, Planning, Executing, and Financial Reporting

by R. Davidson & B. Hinton Running a successful contracting operation requires stringent internal controls for bidding and planning jobs, executing and managing jobs, and reporting job progress. This article examines what’s needed in these critical areas and provides a comprehensive checklist to ensure such controls are in place.

M78 Fundamentals of Change Management for Construction Financial and Project Management Professionals by R. Werner & J. Dobberstein There is one facet of change management that is typically overlooked. However, its effect can mean the difference between profit and loss on a project. Here’s what you need to know.

M79 Fraud is the Word by J. Metz Occupational fraud is everywhere, wreaking havoc in the workplace and costing businesses an estimated $6 billion annually. Construction companies are not immune. Go behind the scenes with an industry consultant to learn from the mistakes of others, and find out how to protect your company from becoming the next fraud victim.

M80 The ROI of Trust: How Is It Affecting Your Bottom Line? by L. Levin Good business is rooted in trust. Find out how to protect your company’s ROI in this critical area.

PERSONNEL & BENEFITS ISSUES P50 Are Your Salaried Employees Really Exempt? What You Need to Know

by B. Benrud It takes more than a salary to make an employee exempt. Discover what’s needed to avoid liability.

P51 The Family Medical Leave Act: An Overview by S. McNeal Learn how the Family Medical Leave Act provides benefits to employers, as well as employees.

P52 A Good Time to Be a Construction Executive: An Overview of Executive Pay in 2001 by R. Phillips & J. Robinson The homeland is attacked, the stock market takes a nose dive, and the economy goes in (and out) of recession – all with virtually no impact on the forecasted pay of construction executives. See where you stand in terms of this industry survey.

P53 Technology: Impact on Your Workforce by J. Safin One company’s story serves as a guide for how to successfully integrate and implement technology.

P54 Health Care Insurance: Current Trends/Future Options by E. Parmenter

Even though health care insurance rates have been steadily increasing, there’s more to come. Read about these upcoming changes and discover new strategies for coping, including §105 HRAs.

P55 Fraud is the Word by J. Metz Occupational fraud is everywhere, wreaking havoc in the workplace and costing businesses an estimated $6 billion annually. Construction companies are not immune. Go behind the scenes with an industry consultant to learn from the mistakes of others, and find out how to protect your company from becoming the next fraud victim.

P56 Equity Based Compensation in Today’s Changing World by D. Howell Remember the ’90s? Everyone was getting rich in the stock market and companies rushed to adopt equity based compensation plans to remain competitive in their labor markets. Times may have changed, but equity based plans can still be an effective way to attract and retain key employees.

P57 The ROI of Trust: How Is It Affecting Your Bottom Line? by L. Levin Good business is rooted in trust. Find out how to protect your company’s ROI in this critical area.

PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS PT9 Managing Payment Risks: Navigating the Lien Law Maze

by F. Riggs, Jr. For contractors, subs, suppliers, and owners involved in construction projects in more than one state, understanding the various lien laws presents a real challenge. Here are five rules to help you successfully navigate this procedural maze and protect your company’s interests.

PT10 Analysis Tools: Assessing the Risk of Disputes by C. Miller Effective dispute management can require making judgments about future events on the basis of incomplete information. As described in this article, litigation risk assessment can assist managers in this process, allowing them to make smarter dispute-management decisions.

PT11 Service Billing Rates by J. Robinson & R. Phillips A CFMA Exclusive! Specialty contractors generate 38% of their income from service work. Learn how subs around the country set their rates – and see how your company’s rates compare.

PT12 Maximize Your Financial Reporting: What You Need to Know by L. True Tips for reviewing your financial reporting to ensure your company remains competitive and profitable.

PT13 Solving the Mystery of Equipment Rental Rates by R. Wetz & R. Krnavek How ownership and operating costs fit into the rental-rate equation.

REAL LIFE ADVENTURES RL4 Prompt Pay in Arizona: A ‘Real Life’ Success Story

by R. Usher & M. Santoro In his own words, advocate Richard Usher talks about Arizona’s groundbreaking legislation.

RL5 The Financial Benefits of a Safety-Driven Corporate Culture by T. Rooney, Jr. The most successful companies make jobsite safety a top priority. Read about one company’s extraordinary

safety record, and learn the six benefits that accrue when safety is promoted in the workplace.

RISK MANAGEMENT R77 Analysis Tools: Assessing the Risk of Disputes

by C. Miller Effective dispute management can require making judgments about future events on the basis of incomplete information. As described in this article, litigation risk assessment can assist managers in this process, allowing them to make smarter dispute-management decisions.

R78 Liquidating Agreements for Pass-Through Claims: Good for GCs and Subs by J. Frymyer, Jr. An introduction to these agreements that help contractors reduce financial liability and risk.

R79 GC Liability: Damages Resulting from a Subcontractor’s OSHA Violations by C. Kenny OSHA may fine contractors for hazards they do not cause. Here’s what you should know.

R80 Differing Site Conditions: A Potential Source of Risk by J. Kirsch Learn how to reduce contractor liability resulting from unforeseeable subsurface or latent physical conditions on a project.

R81 Fiscal Fitness: Checking Out Your Insurer’s Financial Health by K. Quinley How to ensure that your insurer can deliver the coverage you want.

R82 Avoid the Pitfalls of Additional Insured Coverage by B. Huber A look at this commonly required coverage from the GC’s point of view.

R83 Why You Should Insure Against Cyber-Perils by K. Quinley Specialized coverage for specialized exposures in today’s cyber-age.

R84 Risk Interdependency, Cost & Profitability: A New Risk Management Perspective by D. Reid & M. Duff There’s no debate: Risk is a fact of business life. How risk is assessed and handled has significant consequences on a company’s profitability. Learn how to identify, analyze, and better manage potential risk factors throughout your company.

R85 Mold is Gold or IS It? by J. Slivka Toxic mold may become one of the most prolific environmental problems of the 21st century. Discover who’s making and losing money because of this threat, and learn how to protect your company.

R86 The Financial Benefits of a Safety-Driven Corporate Culture by T. Rooney, Jr. The most successful companies make jobsite safety a top priority. Read about one company’s extraordinary safety record, and learn the six benefits that accrue when safety is promoted in the workplace.

R87 A Safer Working Environment Benefits the Industry by J. Reid Get an overview of today’s top safety issues and leverage the experience of safety experts.

R88 Litigation Risk Assessment & the Mediation Process by C. Miller Mediation is a viable, money-saving alternative to legal action. See the mediation process from a third party’s point of view and understand the benefits of a litigation risk assessment.

SURETY & BONDING S24 The Surety Crunch: A Tight Market Leads to New Reporting Requirements

by R. Benson What to expect – and how to respond.

TAX & LEGISLATIVE ISSUES T69 The Family Medical Leave Act: An Overview

by S. McNeal Learn how the Family Medical Leave Act provides benefits to employers, as well as employees.

T70 Tax Issues for Troubled Times by B. Worth Turbulent economic times require a proactive approach to tax management. Tips for handling particular issues are presented here.

T71 Prompt Pay in Arizona: A ‘Real Life’ Success Story by R. Usher & M. Santoro In his own words, advocate Richard Usher talks about Arizona’s groundbreaking legislation.

T72 A Primer on Choosing a Business Entity: S vs. C Corporations vs. LLCs by M. Kaszubski The similarities, differences, and ramifications of these three entities.

T73 To Capitalize or Not to Capitalize? That’s the (Tax) Question! by L. Filener The tax ramifications of Alacare v. Commissioner for contractors.

T74 Final Regs on Mid-Contract Change of Contractor by A. Clark An analysis of the tax implications for contracts subject to IRC §460.

T75 Contractors & the Cash Method: The IRS Throws in the Towel! by E. Wallace IRS Rev. Proc. 2002-28 allows some contractors to switch to the cash method. Find out if your company’s a good candidate for this change and how best to go about it.

T76 Tax Scams, Schemes & Cons: The Construction Industry Targeted! by J. Kummer & M. Burger If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When it comes to tax-saving promotions, CFMs should take these words to heart. The IRS is aggressively cracking down on tax abuses (including tax evasion and employment tax fraud) and its success in prosecuting offenders is increasing.

T77 Cost Segregation Studies by R. Shavell Accelerating depreciation through cost segregation can defer income taxes and improve cash flow. Learn how to maximize your company’s tax benefits in this frequently overlooked area.

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT? W64 Cleanroom Construction Protocol & Certification

by A. Chasey The proper construction protocol provides a clean facility and expedites required certifications.

W65 Cleanroom Project Management by A. Chasey

The final installment wraps up this series with an overview of the project management process.

CFMA’S ANNUAL REPORT AR12 CFMA’s 2001-2002 Annual Report

by D. Gibbs, D. Dennis & W. Schwab

CFMA’S FINANCIAL SURVEY

FS13 CFMA’s 2002 Financial Survey Results

by M. Ellis & R. Pomering Highlights from the Executive Summary of the 2002 Financial Survey profile the industry and provide valuable benchmarking data.