Finance at the Jobsite

What really happens between engineered drawings and real-world construction?In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, Rishi Srivastava sits down with Julian Finelli, a third-party construction inspector whose unconventional path — from political science and land conservation work to concrete labor and materials testing — offers a rare ground-level perspective on risk, accountability, and decision-making in construction.Julian shares what shocked him most stepping onto a job site at age 29, how field experience reshapes assumptions about expertise, and why small on-site decisions can quietly cost (or save) hundreds of thousands of dollars.From redesigning bridges to failed concrete pours and inspection pressure in the field, this conversation explores the hidden financial and operational realities that owners, CFOs, and finance leaders rarely see — but ultimately pay for.Topics include:Jobsite reality vs engineered plansWhy lack of planning creates safety and financial riskField knowledge vs academic expertiseThird-party inspections and accountabilityHow small mistakes become six-figure problemsWhy “slow equals smooth, smooth equals fast” applies to construction financeThe real cost of rushing inspections and material testingJulian currently works as a Field Technician performing materials testing and compliance inspections across Western North Carolina, ensuring projects meet safety and engineering standards. 📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite Newsletter:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionIndustry #JobsiteReality #ConstructionRisk #FieldToOffice #APAutomation #ConstructionLeadership #ProjectControls #ConstructionSafety #Concrete #Inspection #BuiltEnvironment🔨 Hashtags

In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, I sit down with Aditya Pandit, Project Manager at BECO, to explore what it really means to lead in construction — from the field to finance, from pre-construction assumptions to long-term operations.Aditya shares his journey from India to the U.S., and how the immigrant mindset shaped his approach to leadership:Credibility isn’t given — it’s earned through preparation, honesty, and results.We dive into some of the most important realities in modern development and construction:Why schedules fail before the job even startsThe three most underestimated drivers of delays: design coordination, long-lead items, and inspectionsWhat younger PMs must learn early: field ownership, budgeting, and trade alignmentHow the owner-developer-GC model changes cost, quality, and riskWhy pre-construction is the most misunderstood (and most critical) phaseHUD financing as “a whole different animal” — and what the one-year process feels like internallyCoastal construction realities: condensation, drainage failures, mold, and why “water always wins”The feedback loop between asset management and building better prototypesWhere technology helps (Excel, ClickUp, Yardi, AI estimating) — and where it becomes digital paperworkAditya also leaves listeners with a powerful reminder:The cheapest decision during construction is often the most expensive one during operations.This is a must-listen for construction CFOs, project managers, developers, and anyone thinking long-term about how buildings perform after turnover.📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter for more episodes and insights:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup#Construction #ProjectManagement #ConstructionFinance #RealEstateDevelopment #HUDFinancing #OwnerBuilder #Preconstruction #ConstructionTechnology #Leadership #FinanceAtTheJobsite

What actually determines whether a contractor can win bigger public projects?In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, I sit down with Zach Comfort, Vice President & Senior Underwriting Officer at Zurich North America Contract Surety, to break down how surety really works — and why bonding is far more than a compliance requirement.Zach explains surety in plain English:✔️ Why bonds protect taxpayers on public jobs✔️ The “3 Cs” of underwriting: Capital, Capacity, and Character✔️ Early financial warning signs sureties watch for (profit fades, underbillings, fragile liquidity)✔️ How contractors can treat surety like a credit partner, not a commodity✔️ What project managers can do day-to-day to strengthen bonding confidence✔️ How technology, dashboards, and AI can reduce surprises and build trustIf you’re a construction CFO, controller, or contractor looking to scale responsibly, this conversation is packed with insights that directly impact your bonding capacity — and your growth.🎙 Guest: Zach Comfort (Zurich North America – Contract Surety)Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-c-a525b285 📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup#ConstructionFinance #SuretyBonds #ContractorGrowth #ConstructionCFO #BondingCapacity #WorkingCapital #ConstructionAccounting #FinanceAtTheJobsite #Zurich #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction

Many construction owners scale revenue—but never scale their take-home pay.In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, host Rishi Srivastava sits down with Patrick Shurney, former commercial banker turned Millionaire Contractor Coach, who has reviewed 10,000+ financial statements and approved $2B+ in construction loans.Patrick breaks down why contractors doing $5M–$50M+ in revenue often earn less than their foremen—and how focusing on the wrong numbers quietly destroys cash flow, profit, and peace of mind.You’ll learn:The 7 financial numbers every contractor must know (and why most don’t)Why gross profit margin, not revenue growth, is the biggest income leverHow shaving just a few days off accounts receivable can unlock six figures in cashWhy companies can be “profitable” on paper but broke in realityHow to become bankable, bondable, and capital-readyWhat changes can realistically happen in 30, 90, and 180 daysThe mindset shift required to move from operator → CEO📊 Supporting Resources Mentioned in This Episode:7 Numbers Industry Benchmarks:https://go.3pcllc.com/the-7-numbers-industry-comparisonAccounts Receivable (A/R) Turnover Calculator:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AeP5NHp8BaTBWRhF-0LnEciXsEYYs-s5Fs7Ffh35CHU/editPatrick also explains why finance should be simple, how to build a one-page financial blueprint, and why construction remains one of the most reliable paths to real wealth—even in an AI-driven economy.🎧 If you’re a contractor, CFO, or construction leader tired of working harder while earning less, this episode is a must-listen.📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter for more real conversations on construction finance, cash flow, and operations:👉 https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionFinance #ContractorLife #CashFlow #ConstructionCFO #GrossMargin #ConstructionBusiness #ConTech #Jobsite #ConstructionLeadership

What really separates high-performing construction companies from the rest — especially in uncertain markets?In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, host Rishi Srivastava sits down with Mark DeVerges, a construction-focused executive recruiter and advisor with over 20 years of experience placing and coaching C-suite leaders across general contractors and specialty subcontractors.This is a deep, practical conversation on why culture, people strategy, and leadership alignment are now core financial controls — not “soft” topics.We cover:The people-side leading indicators CFOs should watch before trouble hits the balance sheetWhat distinguishes a great construction CFO vs. a good one in 2026How HR and accounting evolve from overhead into profit centersThe KPIs that actually reflect culture, engagement, and execution (including NPS, turnover, and safety signals)Why right person, right seat, right time hires directly impact margin, cash flow, and executionCompensation, succession planning, and incentive alignment across PMs, supers, and finance teamsThe most common talent mistakes during market slowdowns — and what smart leaders do insteadWhy job-hopping can hurt long-term CFO and COO growth (coming from a recruiter’s perspective)A practical 30-60-90 day ramp plan for finance leaders entering a new construction organizationIf you’re a construction owner, CFO, controller, or operator trying to scale sustainably — this episode will challenge how you think about people, culture, and financial leadership.👉 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite Newsletter for more conversations like this:https://financeatthejobsite.substack.com#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionCFO #ConstructionLeadership#PeopleFirst #CultureAndCashFlow #ConstructionAccounting#CFOLeadership #TalentStrategy #SuccessionPlanning#ConstructionIndustry #JobsiteFinance

Construction businesses don’t fail because of lack of work—they fail because of cash flow blind spots, poor WIP discipline, and reactive tax decisions.In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, host Rishi Srivastava sits down with Cody Daniels, Founder of Builders Tax Group, to unpack how growing contractors can build financial clarity without overcomplicating the back office.Cody advises construction companies from startup through $30M in revenue and brings a rare mix of tax expertise, WIP fluency, and operator empathy .In this episode, we cover:The first 3 reports Cody opens when a contractor says “cash is tight” (AR aging, WIP, job costs)The most common chart of accounts mistakes that quietly destroy job cost accuracyA realistic “48-hour month-end close” checklist for small contractorsHow to think clearly about bonus depreciation vs Section 179 vs straight-line—without tax jargonWhen cost segregation actually makes sense (even for smaller properties)The right quarterly tax-planning rhythm so year-end isn’t a panicWhen to hire your first in-house accountant or controller (and what they should own)The single KPI each owner, PM, and AP lead should track weeklyHow weak AP processes and missing invoice images quietly stall jobs and meetingsThis is a practical, no-fluff conversation for contractors who want better decisions, better cash flow, and fewer surprises.📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter:👉 https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter/🎙️ Search “Finance at the Jobsite” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to listen and subscribe.#ConstructionFinance #ContractorAccounting #WIP #CashFlow #ConstructionCPA #TaxPlanning #FractionalCFO #BuildersTax #FinanceAtTheJobsite

Construction doesn’t fail all at once — it drifts first.In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, I sit down with Rob Duplain, an IBEW superintendent whose path into leadership was anything but traditional: dairy farm work ethic, Eagle Scout discipline, law enforcement training, and 16+ years across residential, commercial, industrial, and utility substation projects.We go deep on what actually separates strong superintendents from reactive ones:Why a “three-week lookahead” usually means you’re already behindHow great supers forecast manpower, materials, and sequencing like a chessboardWhere field–office handoffs break down — and what actually fixes themWhy documentation should protect crews, not police themWhen tech and voice tools help the field — and when they quietly slow work downThis is a masterclass in field-first leadership, strategic thinking, and building real trust between crews and the office — without buzzwords or theory.If you’re a superintendent, PM, estimator, or construction leader trying to reduce fire drills and run cleaner projects, this one’s for you.👉 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter(New episodes, field insights, and finance-at-the-jobsite thinking delivered weekly)🎙️ Hosted by: Rishi SrivastavaCo-Founder & CEO, Being HumanHost, Finance at the Jobsite Podcast#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionLeadership #SuperintendentLife #IBEW#ConstructionManagement #FieldLeadership #JobsiteReality #ConstructionFinance#TradePride #Forecasting #ProjectControls #VoiceInConstruction🔖 Hashtags

What does it really take to manage a 1,100-home, multi-year reconstruction program—and keep the numbers honest?In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, I sit down with Charles Britt, a construction leader with nearly 18 years in the Air National Guard who now oversees large-scale mechanical reconstruction at Keesler Air Force Base.Charles breaks down how military accountability shaped the way he thinks about money, contracts, and responsibility—and why every house on a job should be treated like its own standalone investment.We cover:Why cash flow is the oxygen of large projectsHow labor efficiency, materials, and rework make or break marginManaging 1,100 homes as a house-by-house portfolio, not a single jobUsing Dash, QuickBooks, Excel, and bill.com to see problems earlyWhere invoicing, approvals, and subcontractor communication break downWhy walking the jobsite reveals more than weekly reportsThe real cost of small inefficiencies and hidden wasteHow better data, systems, and voice tools could change field operationsThis is a practical conversation for owners, project managers, controllers, CFOs, and anyone who wants to speak both operations and finance fluently in construction.📬 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/🎙 Finance at the Jobsite — real conversations about how construction actually works, where money is made or lost, and how leaders think on the ground.#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionFinance #JobCosting #CashFlow #ProjectManagement #ConstructionLeadership #FieldOperations #ConstructionTechnology

What does a surety underwriter actually look for when deciding whether to support a contractor?In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, host Rishi Srivastava sits down with Jacob Studer, Construction Surety Bond Underwriter at Travelers, to unpack how bonding decisions are really made — beyond ratios and checklists.Jacob brings a rare perspective, having worked in the field as a framer and electrician, run his own contracting businesses, and now underwrite bonds for contractors nationwide. That hands-on background shapes how he evaluates risk, character, and long-term potential.In this conversation, we cover:The 3 non-negotiables underwriters care about most (character, cash flow, and operating margin)Why one bad project can take down an otherwise healthy contractorHow surety underwriting differs from insurance and mortgage lendingWhat contractors can do to earn support even with imperfect financialsWhy WIP accuracy and financial discipline matter more than revenueHow contractors should think about stretch jobs and bonding capacityPractical ways AI and automation can make contractors more bondable todayIf you’re a contractor, CFO, controller, or advisor looking to grow safely — this episode is a must-listen.📩 Subscribe to the Finance at the Jobsite newsletter for more insights from construction finance leaders:👉 https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionFinance #SuretyBonds #ConstructionAccounting #ContractorGrowth #CashFlowManagement #WIPReporting #ConstructionLeadership #AIInConstruction #Bonding

In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, Rishi sits down with Dusty Stasch, a Project Manager at Ellingson Companies, whose career journey is a masterclass in field-driven leadership and financial discipline. Dusty started as a 19-year-old laborer in 2008 and worked his way up through foreman, superintendent, operations manager, and now PM—giving him a uniquely grounded understanding of cost, risk, and decision-making. Dusty shares:How seeing the business from every level reshaped his mindset around profitability and job costingWhy short-duration projects demand faster forecasting, tighter communication, and disciplined stops/startsThe real impact of weather, soil conditions, and field logistics—variables finance teams rarely see on a spreadsheetHow farmers, as “CEOs of multimillion-dollar operations,” require clear communication and expectation managementThe tech stack that transformed Ellingson’s operations: HCSS, Esri GIS, Microsoft Project, and Power BIHow calm, steady leadership reduces mistakes, improves morale, and protects marginsThe moment when job costing “clicked” and changed the way he operated foreverDusty’s story is the blueprint for how modern construction companies grow leaders who can bridge field reality and financial truth. Whether you’re a CFO, controller, PM, or superintendent—this episode gives you a clearer window into how great operations teams think.👉 Subscribe to the newsletter for episodes, tools, and insights:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/#FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionFinance #ProjectManagement #ConstructionLeadership #JobCosting #ConstructionOperations #FieldToFinance #ConstructionTechnology #HCSS #EsriGIS #PowerBI #ConstructionManagement #DrainTile #AgricultureConstruction #ContractorLife #BuiltWithAI #BeiingHuman

In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, Rishi sits down with Margie Morris, CCIFP — a respected surety advisor and partner at Guignard Company — who has spent her entire career helping contractors grow safely, strategically, and sustainably. Margie shares wisdom earned from decades in the industry — from underwriting at Travelers and Reliance, to advising contractors on bonding, financial strength, continuity planning, and major transitions like ESOPs and private equity.If you’re a CFO, controller, estimator, project executive, or owner in construction, this conversation will shift how you think about risk, bonding capacity, and financial discipline.Why bonding isn’t the painful process contractors fear — and what strong surety partnerships actually look likeThe two issues keeping contractors up at night: labor and continuityHow poor financial reporting quietly destroys bonding capacityWhy your accounting department is not “overhead” — it’s growth infrastructureESOPs vs. private equity: which transition paths work, which collapse, and whyThe #1 financial habit of contractors who grow past $50M+ successfullyWhy your WIP is your report card — and how sureties read itThe real pitfalls of rapid growth: cash flow drag, new hires, and cultural driftHow owners should think about winding down a company the right wayMargie also reveals the one habit CFOs can implement this month to immediately strengthen their surety profile.https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/#Surety #ConstructionFinance #Bonding #ConstructionLeadership #ESOP #PrivateEquity #ConstructionGrowth#WIPReporting #ConstructionCFO #FinanceAtTheJobsite #ConstructionRisk #ContractorSuccess #SuretyAdvisor

In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, we dive deep into the human side of construction technology — why tools succeed, why they fail, and what construction finance leaders can do to make change actually work.Our guest, Victor Sturgis of First Rule Contract Manager, brings a rare blend of tax, construction advisory, and startup experience. From leading long-term contract calculations for major GCs to transforming how teams adopt technology, Victor shares some of the most practical leadership insights in the industry.You’ll learn:🔹 Why “all friction is good friction” in accounting, project teams, and tech rollouts🔹 The moment Victor realized construction needed better contract and data intelligence🔹 Why implementations fail even when the software is solid🔹 How CFOs and controllers can make a PACT (Performance, Alignment, Communication, Transition Support) with vendors🔹 The importance of helping people feel seen, heard, and supported🔹 What future-ready construction finance leadership looks like in the AI era🔹 The #1 mistake companies make during tech adoption — and how to avoid itThis episode is a must-listen for construction CFOs, controllers, AP leaders, and anyone responsible for driving organizational change.📬 Get our newsletter for more conversations like this:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/#ConstructionFinance #ConstructionTech #CFO #Leadership #ChangeManagement #ContractManagement #AIinConstruction #FinanceAtTheJobsite

In this episode of Finance at the Jobsite, Rishi Srivastava sits down with Jennifer Tindal, CFO at MSS Solutions (mechanical contractor) and longtime CFMA leader in Charlotte, to unpack what it really takes to build a best-in-class finance organization inside a complex construction business.Jennifer shares how she “accidentally” fell into construction accounting, why she stayed, and how working across material suppliers, GCs, and subcontractors shaped the way she leads today. From job costing and WIP to AP automation and culture, this is a masterclass in finance leadership for construction.🎧 In this conversation, we cover:Jennifer’s unconventional path into construction finance and why the industry hooked herLessons from working on the vendor, GC, and subcontractor sides—and how that shapes her decisions as CFOHow MSS keeps job cost, cash flow, and performance aligned across HVAC, automation, fire/security, and fabrication divisionsThe rhythms that actually work: JSR meetings, regional reviews, and cross-functional huddles between ops and accountingBalancing 80% project work and 20% service without creating ERP and process chaosCoaching teams to read WIP reports as insight, not just numbers, and how to tell a compelling story to lenders and suretiesWhat she looks for in technology and AP automation tools—and why human buy-in matters more than featuresTurning accountants into business partners, not data processors: delegation, empowerment, and letting people “stub their toe”How CFMA peer groups sharpened her leadership, benchmarks, and technology decisionsMSS’s roadmap for the next 12–18 months: divisional finance leaders, regional accounting talent, and a culture where team success comes first📩 Stay in the loop:For more construction finance insights, tools, and episode recaps, subscribe to the Beiing Human newsletter:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/👉 Follow Finance at the Jobsite for more conversations with the people building the future of construction finance.