Estimation launches new Accounts package

Estimation's new Contractors' Accounts package incorporates features and modules designed to meet the specific accounting needs of building services contractors, as well as offering full integration with estimating, procurement and contract management modules where required. As such, the package is suitable for use within an integrated business system for the whole company or as a stand alone package, with wizards and templates to make accounts management quick and simple, even without in-house accounts personnel.

Integration between the modules within the Contractors' Accounts suite also ensures that each piece of information need only be posted once. Each purchase order, time sheet, material and sub-contract invoice is automatically posted onto the relevant contract as a by-product of processing the payroll, purchase ledger and sub-contract ledger - along with applications for payment and sales invoices. As a result, users have instant access to meaningful, up to date information about the performance and profitability of each job.

Unlike general accounts packages, Estimation's Contractors' Accounts provides the tools to manage invoices, applications for payment, certificates, payments and retentions - all vital to maintaining cash flow within a contracting business. Aged debtor reporting and retention due reminders assist in effective credit control, maximising the chance of securing the right payment, on time. Sub-contractor management features include certificate tracking and CIS scheme reporting.

At the heart of the package is the Contract Costing module, which tracks committed costs as well as actual to provide a realistic picture of the job throughout its life and after completion, enabling informed decisions to be made as the job proceeds. Comprehensive 'drill down' reporting features allow the user to report quickly and easily on any contract or range of contracts, either at summary level for a snapshot view or right the way down to individual transactions where preferred. And with full transaction source tracking, it's easy to see how the costs have accumulated on the job.