Accountants for Carpenters in Alberta & BC

It Was Only a Small Change

Until You Added Up the Time

The built-ins were meant to take four days. The walls weren't square, the client changed a shelf and fitting ran into Friday. You got it looking right. By the time you sat down to invoice, those small extras were already hard to separate.

Did the workshop and fitting hours reach the same project?
Was the return trip covered by the price?
Are approved extras still sitting in a text message?
How much of the latest payment belongs to upcoming bills?
Would you quote the same price if you did it again?

Now someone wants a similar build. We help check whether the price needs a different labour allowance, clearer billing for extras or better records of what went into it.

Before You Use That Quote Again

What Did Those Two Extra Days Cost?

You priced the built-ins expecting about $5,000 to be left from the job. Then Friday turned into another fitting day, and Monday needed one too. Those extra hours added about $1,000 in labour. The client still paid the same quote, but now the job left closer to $4,000.

If you were the one who stayed late or gave up the Saturday, that time is easy to miss because no extra wage leaves the bank. But the job still took more of your week than you priced for. Write those hours down. They matter when the next client asks, “What would something like this cost?”

Let's Start With What Went Into It

Accounting Services for Your Carpentry Business

Framing, finish carpentry, decks or custom installations: we start with how you quote, buy and bill. Then we work through the financial side, from the first supplier purchase to the cash you need for the next contract.

First, Put the Costs Together

Bookkeeping and Job Costing

Let's put that fitting day against the right contract. We match labour, materials, subcontractor bills and supplier credits to your projects, then account for overhead costs. You can see where the estimate held up and where the next quote needs more room.

See Bookkeeping Support

Then Allow for the Tax

Corporate Tax, GST/HST and Tax Planning

The profit figure still has tax to account for. We prepare corporate returns and financial statements, review tools and eligible expenses, and plan for instalments. GST/HST on deposits, progress invoices and holdbacks gets checked, along with applicable BC PST.

See Corporate Tax Support

The Hours Also Feed Into Pay

Payroll, Owner Pay and T-Slips

Those fitting days belong in payroll too. We help with wages, deductions, CRA remittances and T4/T5 slips, then review salary or dividends for you. If another carpenter invoices as a subcontractor, we check the records and T5018 reporting requirements.

See Payroll and T-Slip Support

What You Take Home Matters Too

Personal Tax and Finances for Carpentry Owners

Salary or dividends also affect your personal return. We review company and shareholder records alongside your needs at home. Personal tax support comes through our Nosehill office or a trusted partner, with the work and fee confirmed first.

See Personal Tax Support

Now Look at What's Booked Next

Cash Flow Forecasting and Financial Management

Before you promise a start date, check what the next build needs. We forecast cash around deposits, supplier bills, wages, tax and unpaid invoices. Then we can test another carpenter or workshop lease against the contracts you still have to complete.

See Advisory Services

Put the Reports to Use

What Would You Do Differently With Those Answers?

You may already have financial statements and still be unsure about the next hire or quote. Small businesses need their financial data explained in time to use it. With agreed ongoing support, we help connect the records to those decisions.

What you need to work out	How TNA helps with the decision
Can we use the same allowance next time?	Compare quoted and actual costs, including preparation and return visits, before repeating the estimate.
Are built-ins or framing contracts leaving more?	Review project profitability so a larger invoice does not automatically win the next space in your calendar.
Can I take more money home this month?	Check owner pay alongside supplier balances, tax and the cash needed to finish current contracts.
Can we afford another carpenter?	Forecast wages and other commitments against expected client payments, including what happens if a payment is late.

You Don't Have to Sort It All First

Start With the Part That Is Taking Up Your Evening

1. Tell Us What You Want to Work Out

Maybe the books are behind. Maybe work is steady, but you cannot tell what it leaves you. Send a short message about what you want to work out and any deadline coming up.

2. We Work Out What Needs Checking

We'll ask who keeps your financial records and which software you use, then identify the records we need. If you already have a bookkeeper, we discuss what they handle and where a CPA or our bookkeeping team could help.

3. You Know the Work and Price Before We Start

We agree on the services, reporting schedule and fixed fee. You know what's covered, what we need from you and who to contact for advice. Then we can get the agreed accounting work underway.

TALK TO A TNA ACCOUNTANT

Helpful, patient and knowledgeable

It's always a pleasure dealing with our year end at our firm. True North is always so helpful, patient and knowledgeable. Matt and Curtis are always great to deal with, but the whole team is always helpful and great to deal with. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone looking for accounting services for their small business.

Javier

Makes the difficult conversation of taxes and running a small-business easy

True North Accounting makes the difficult conversation of taxes and running a small-business easy. I cannot thank the staff at True North, particularly their accountant Curtis, enough for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise in a clear and concise way. As a young business owner with many questions to ask, I can say with confidence that True North genuinely cares about their clients, prospective or existing. Kudos to True North!

Ryan G.

Very professional, accommodating and prompt to address any questions

All the folks at True North have always been very professional, accommodating and prompt to address any questions or concerns we've have about our small business financials. I would recommend True North to anyone looking for financial services.

Darren

Before You Get in Touch

Questions About Accounting for Carpenters

Do I need an accountant if I work on my own?

Working alone can still mean corporate tax, bookkeeping and decisions about paying yourself. TNA supports incorporated small businesses, including solo carpenters. We review what you handle now and where you need advice, then explain the support and fee. Employee payroll is only relevant if you need it.

Can you work with the accounting software I already use?

TNA works with Xero and QuickBooks, among other tools. We review your accounting software, receipt capture, project tracking and who needs access before suggesting changes. We can help you stay organized within a setup that suits your carpentry business, with costs recorded against the right projects.

What can carpenters claim as business expenses?

Carpenters can claim eligible business expenses such as supplies, wages, insurance and business vehicle costs. A saw or work van may need capital cost allowance rather than a full deduction that year. Keep receipts and mileage records so we can check ownership, business use and the correct tax treatment.

Do I charge GST when a client pays a deposit?

A genuine security deposit generally does not trigger GST/HST until it is applied as payment or forfeited. Advance and progress payments can trigger tax earlier. We check what your contract and invoices say; calling the amount a deposit does not settle its tax treatment or when it belongs on a GST return.

How much does an accountant cost for a carpentry business?

Accounting fees depend on your records, transaction volume, payroll and reporting needs. TNA agrees on the work and a fixed fee before starting. Ask which bookkeeping, tax planning and reviews are covered, how often reports arrive and what could change the price, so you know what you are paying for.

Should I catch up on my bookkeeping before contacting you?

You can contact TNA while your bookkeeping is still behind. Tell us the last period completed and whether a filing deadline is close. We review the records available, identify what is missing and agree on the catch-up work and fee. You can ask for help before tax season without having everything organized.

EXPERT ACCOUNTANTS FOR CARPENTERS

Another Job Finished. What Did You Actually Earn?

The client sees the finished built-ins. You remember the extra fitting day and the Saturday you went back. TNA connects those costs with your bookkeeping, payroll and tax planning, so you have firmer numbers for the next quote.

• CPA-led accounting for carpenters • Bookkeeping and job-cost reporting • Payroll and owner pay support • Corporate CRA support within scope • Fixed fees agreed before work begins