SOP Templates > Painting > Finance & Accounting > Job Cost Tracking

Job Cost Tracking for Painting

The Job Cost Tracking workflow provides painting contractors with a structured method for monitoring expenses. It includes tracking labor hours, material purchases, subcontractor charges, and overhead costs. Managers reconcile invoices, review budgets, and adjust forecasts for accuracy. By standardizing this process, painting companies reduce overruns, protect margins, and improve efficiency. Clients benefit from transparency in billing and financial accountability. Teams gain accountability through documented reporting. With this workflow in place, painting contractors can strengthen professionalism, improve efficiency, and deliver projects more reliably with consistent financial oversight.

Set up job cost codes based on budget categories (labor, materials, subs, equipment, etc.)

Enter original budget and any approved changes into job cost tracking system

Assign cost codes to all purchase orders, timecards, and subcontractor agreements

Record daily labor hours and costs to the correct job and task

Track material purchases and deliveries with matching invoices

Update subcontractor pay apps and payments under correct cost codes

Enter equipment rentals, fuel, or miscellaneous job expenses

Reconcile actual costs weekly or monthly against budgeted amounts

Flag overruns or under-spending for review with project team

Analyze cost-to-complete projections and adjust forecast if needed

Share job cost reports with project manager and leadership

Archive all cost data for final closeout and future estimating reference