Percentage of Completion Method: Key Concepts & Applications

Written by: Kelsey Hainley and John Meibers

In a world where project timelines and budgets can often diverge drastically, understanding how to communicate a project's financial progress effectively is critical for businesses, especially in the construction industry.

The Percentage of Completion (POC) method is a fundamental tool that allows organizations to recognize revenue based on the extent of work completed rather than merely upon project completion.

This accounting approach plays a pivotal role in construction accounting by enabling more accurate financial reporting and aligning revenue recognition with ongoing work performance. With regulatory frameworks such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) influencing its application, it is essential for professionals to grasp the nuances of this method, including its calculation techniques and practical implications.

This article explains the key concepts and applications of the Percentage of Completion Method. It explores its definition, importance in construction, compliance standards, calculation methods and real-world examples. Additionally, we will examine the benefits and risks of this method and highlight tools that can aid in its implementation for improved cash flow and resource allocation.

In This Article:

1. What is the Percentage of Completion Method?
2. Importance of POC in Construction Accounting
3. Compliance with Accounting Standards
4. How to Calculate Percentage of Completion
5. Practical Examples of POC Application
6. Accurate Revenue Recognition
7. Common Risks with Percentage of Completion
8. Impact of Change Orders on Revenue
9. Financial Reporting Implications
10. Tools & Software for Tracking POC
11. Benefits of Using the Percentage of Completion Method

The percentage of completion method is an accounting practice primarily used for long-term projects to recognize revenue proportionally over the course of the project's completion.

Unlike the completed contract method, which recognizes revenue only once the project is finished, the percentage of completion method allows construction companies and other businesses dealing with long-term contracts to report earnings on an ongoing basis.

This method reflects financial performance in line with the progress of the construction project, thus providing a more accurate financial statement. Calculation of revenue recognition under this method usually involves one of the following:

• Efforts-Expended Method: Revenue recognized based on labor hours or machine hours
• Cost-to-Cost Method: Revenue based on the proportion of actual costs incurred to projected total costs

The formula is typically as follows:

Percentage Complete = Actual Costs Incurred / Estimated Total Costs

Accordingly, the income statement presents the contract revenue tied to the completion percentage, adjusted for contract costs. If actual costs exceed estimates (excess of costs), adjustments are made to reflect the actual financial situation.

The balance sheet will show work in progress (WIP) to illustrate the ongoing progress in the long-term construction project and provide insights into the company's current assets and liabilities.

This method adheres to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and is an essential approach for consistent financial reporting.

The percentage of completion method plays a pivotal role in construction accounting, especially for long-term projects.

It allows construction companies to recognize revenue on an ongoing basis in proportion to the work completed. Given the extended duration of these contracts, this method offers a more accurate reflection of financial performance during an accounting period than alternative methods, such as the completed contract method.

Key components of this accounting method include:

• Contract Revenue: The total income expected from the project
• Contract Costs: The actual costs incurred and the estimated costs for completion
• Completion Percentage: This may be based on costs, labor hours or machine hours

Financial Statements Impact:

• Income Statement: Reflects revenue and expenses tied to the degree of completion
• Balance Sheet: Shows work-in-progress or over/under billings, depending on the cost estimate and billing status

Adhering to the revenue recognition accounting principle, this method ensures that revenue aligns with the efforts expended during the accounting period. The completion percentage ensures that financial reporting remains consistent and transparent, which is critical for stakeholders' trust and investment decisions.

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Utilizing the percentage of completion method comes with an obligation to comply with established accounting standards, ensuring that construction companies accurately and consistently report their financial condition.

Adherence to these standards is a legal requirement and a best practice that maintains transparency, facilitates comparable financial statements and builds investor confidence.

When operating under GAAP, companies must align their reporting of long-term construction contracts with the specific provisions outlined by these frameworks. Periodic review and alignment with evolving standards are paramount for ongoing compliance and for presenting a true picture of a company's financial performance.

GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)

Under the United States GAAP, the percentage of completion method is widely accepted for recognizing revenue from long-term construction projects. This accounting method aligns with several GAAP standards, including the ASC 606, which provides comprehensive guidance on revenue recognition.

GAAP requires construction companies to meet certain criteria before applying this method:

• The ability to estimate reliable total contract revenue and contract costs
• A clear understanding of the extent of progress towards completion

GAAP standards mandate that the completed contract method should be used instead if these criteria are not met. Furthermore, when applying the percentage of completion method, GAAP prescribes the requirement to disclose the amount of revenue recognized and describe the method used to determine the completion percentage, commonly via the cost-to-cost basis, efforts-expended method, or the units-delivered method.

In construction accounting, the percentage of completion method is crucial for reflecting the financial performance of long-term projects. To apply this method accurately, it's essential to determine the completion percentage of a contract during an accounting period.

Several techniques exist to calculate this percentage, each suited to different types of contracts and situations. The most common are the cost-to-cost method, efforts-expended method and units-of-delivery method. These methods involve distinct calculations and match revenue recognition with the work that has been performed, as per the established accounting principles.

Each of the methods below enables construction companies to report their financial results more consistently and realistically compared with simply using cash inflows or outflows. The method chosen should align with the nature of work and the available data to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.

Cost-to-Cost Method

The Cost-to-Cost Method is frequently employed in the construction industry to measure the percentage of completion. This approach compares the actual costs incurred to the projected total costs.

To use this method, one should compile all the actual, direct costs associated with the project, such as materials and labor, up to the date of the calculation.

These costs are then divided by the estimated   total costs of the contract to ascertain the completion percentage.

Direct Costs / Total Estimated Costs = Percentage Complete

For instance, if a company has incurred $200,000 of costs on a project expected to cost $1,000,000 in total, it is concluded that the project is 20% complete ($200,000 / $1,000,000).

Efforts-Expended Method

The Efforts-Expended Method relies on measuring the work performed, often using labor hours, machine hours or other units of effort that have been invested in the project to date. These are then compared to the total estimated effort required to complete the contract.

Effort Expended to Date / Estimated Effort Required = Percentage Complete

For example, if a project is estimated to take 10,000 labor hours and 4,000 hours have already been worked, the project would be considered 40% complete.

This method is particularly useful when labor and machinery play a significant role in the project's completion and reliable estimates of the effort needed to finish the job are available.

Units-of-Delivery Method

Finally, the Units-of-Delivery Method is applicable when a project can be broken down into measurable units that can be delivered incrementally. It assesses completion by the number of units delivered against the total number of units that make up the contract. This method may not always be relevant for traditional construction projects but can be effective for long-term contracts involving the production of multiple identical units.

Units Delivered to Date / Total Units Required = Percentage Complete

For example, if a contract involves the construction of 50 houses, and 10 have been completed and delivered, the percentage of completion would be 20%.

The Percentage of Completion method offers a systematic approach to recognizing revenue and expenses on projects that span long periods, as is often the case in the construction and manufacturing industries.

The POC method's application allows companies to record revenue and contract costs proportionate to the degree of work completed during an accounting period. This allows financial statements to reflect the actual costs incurred and revenue earned, providing a clearer picture of financial performance.

Residential Construction

In the realm of residential construction, the POC method has practical applications that exemplify its benefits.

When a construction company undertakes the building of residential housing developments, this accounting method can be employed effectively.

For example, if a construction company has a contract to build 100 individual homes and finishes 40 of them within the accounting period, the revenue recognized would be 40% of the contract price, assuming the contract equally distributes costs and revenue per home. Additional expenses such as machine hours, labor and materials are equally factored into the contract costs for each home and recorded on a similar basis.

Commercial Projects

The POC method is also applied to commercial projects, including large-scale constructions such as office buildings, factories or infrastructural developments. These projects can be more complex, with different phases completed at varying times.

Under the POC method, a construction company would estimate the percentage of the project completed during the accounting period by measuring actual costs against the revised total costs or through efforts-expended models such as machine hours.

The revenue for the period would then be the contract price multiplied by the completion percentage. In this way, the company's balance sheet and income statement offer real-time reflection of ongoing work, helping stakeholders understand the project's progress and the company's financial standing on an ongoing basis.

In both residential and commercial construction, the key to POC application is the ability to accurately determine the completion percentage and periodically update cost estimates. This ensures that the financial reporting remains reflective of the actual situation and is in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Accurate revenue recognition is critical for financial reporting, particularly for companies engaged in long-term projects. This approach aligns with the matching principle in accounting, which dictates that revenues and expenses should be reported within the same accounting period that they are earned or incurred.

To determine the completion percentage, the efforts-expended method might measure progress in terms of labor hours or machine hours, while the cost-to-cost method gauges it by comparing actual costs to estimated costs. This enables construction companies to record contract revenue and contract costs on the income statement, providing a real-time picture of financial performance.

On the balance sheet, the "excess of costs" over billings is classified as an asset, while the "excess of billings" over costs is reported as a liability.

As the project evolves, the cost estimate is regularly updated to reflect changes in the contract price or scope. This ongoing updating ensures that the completion percentage remains accurate for financial periods, thus providing stakeholders with a reliable view of the company's financial status.

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While the percentage of completion method is beneficial for financial reporting on long-term projects, it is not without its risks. Potential inaccuracies that can affect financial performance indicators are inherent to its nature, which involves estimation and periodic reassessment.

Risks include the subjectivity of estimating completion levels, changes in project scope, the unpredictability of long-term contracts and fluctuations in cost estimates.

These factors can significantly impact financial statements, potentially leading to misstated revenue recognition and an incorrect portrayal of a company's financial health.

Overbilling

Overbilling occurs when a contractor bills for more than the work actually completed. This might be intentional, to improve cash flow, or unintentional, due to errors in estimating the project's progress.

Overbilling can lead to a liability on the balance sheet, known as "billings in excess of costs." Although it may temporarily boost a company's cash position, it can misrepresent revenue on financial statements and affect revenue recognition and the company's financial performance.

Underbilling

Underbilling, on the other hand, happens when a contractor bills for less than the work completed. This may be due to conservative estimates of project progress or delays in the billing process.

Underbilling can result in reporting a contract asset on the balance sheet, termed as "costs in excess of billings," indicating that costs have been incurred but not yet billed to the client. It can create a cash flow shortfall and may understate revenue, which could have a detrimental effect on financial performance and may mislead stakeholders about the business's financial health.

Change orders in long-term construction contracts frequently alter the scope of a project, potentially impacting the contract price and, therefore, revenue recognized. They can occur as a result of modifications to the original plan, engaging additional services or correcting unforeseen issues.

Under the percentage of completion method, revenue recognition is based on the progress towards completion of the contract. Therefore, when change orders increase the total contract value, they necessitate an adjustment in the calculation of the completion percentage.

Adjusting Estimates Following Change Orders

When change orders are issued, construction companies must adjust their revenue estimates to reflect the changed circumstances. This can involve recalculating the estimated total costs, the contract revenue, and the completion percentage.

The efforts-expended method, which often uses labor hours or machine hours as a basis, might require a revision to align with the expanded project scope. If change orders lead to an increase in costs that exceed the increase in contract revenue, it could negatively affect the income statement by showing a lower gross profit margin for the accounting period. Conversely, beneficial change orders could lead to higher profits.

Accurate financial reporting is crucial for stakeholders to assess the financial health of a construction company.

Change orders can skew the financial statements if they are not properly accounted for. Therefore, it is essential to reflect these adjustments both in the income statement and balance sheet.

Companies should ensure that the revised estimates are included in financial reports on an ongoing basis to provide transparency and an accurate picture of the contract's financial standing.

This aligns with the accounting principle of revenue recognition, which emphasizes that reporting should precisely match revenues with the accounting period in which they are earned.

Adjusting Estimates

In the world of construction accounting, particularly when using the percentage of completion method for long-term projects, adjusting estimates is a crucial aspect of financial reporting. This method relies on the accurate representation of a project's financial performance, which hinges on contract revenue, costs and the level of completion.

• Accuracy: To reflect the true state of a long-term contract, it is essential to update the estimated costs and progress periodically
• Revenue Recognition: Changes in cost estimates can affect the recognition of revenue in the income statement, as adjustments may increase or decrease the reported income for an accounting period

Dynamic Adjustments:

• Ongoing Estimation: As a long-term construction project progresses, initial cost estimates may require adjustments due to unforeseeable factors.
• Cost Method Variance: If actual costs exceed estimates, or vice versa, adjusting the projected costs ensures that financial statements accurately portray the completion percentage.

Financial Statement Impact:

• Balance Sheet: Revisions in cost estimate can cause changes in the reported work in progress value.
• Income Statement: Adjustments can influence the contract revenue and costs reported, thus altering profitability.

In construction accounting, staying accurate and current with the percentage of completion (POC) is critical for success. To support this, a plethora of tools and software have been developed to enable construction companies to efficiently track and manage the percentage of completion for their long-term projects. These solutions help maintain thorough financial records and ensure continuous alignment between ongoing work and financial reporting.

Project Management Software

Project management software is pivotal for construction companies when it comes to tracking the performance and progress of long-term construction projects.

This type of software provides functionalities to record the efforts-expended and machine hours utilized against particular tasks or contracts. By offering features like real-time reporting, timesheets, scheduling and project tracking, this software helps in determining the completion percentage on an ongoing basis.

The integration of project management software with financial modules can simplify the translation of physical progress into financial terms, a critical aspect of the percentage of completion method.

Financial Management Tools

Financial management tools complement the project management software by handling the financial aspects of the percentage of completion method.

These tools include comprehensive construction accounting systems that manage revenue recognition, calculate actual costs, and maintain balance sheets and income statements. They often provide detailed cost estimate functionalities, budget versus actual cost tracking and the ability to manage billings in excess of contract costs or vice versa.

Advanced features may include analytics and dashboards that give insights into financial performance related to long-term contracts, which is essential for effective financial reporting in accordance with the completion percentage recognized for a given accounting period.

The percentage of completion method is a widely recognized accounting principle that offers several benefits for companies managing long-term contracts, especially in the construction sector.

This accounting method plays a crucial role in enhancing the management of financial resources, providing more realistic financial reporting, and facilitating better decision-making regarding resource allocation.

Improved Cash Flow Management

One of the primary benefits of the percentage of completion method is its positive impact on cash flow management. By recognizing revenue on an ongoing basis, companies can match income and expenses to the actual progress of the work. By doing so, they can invoice customers for incremental progress payments, which helps maintain a consistent stream of cash throughout the project. This continual influx of capital can be critical for funding day-to-day operations, purchasing materials and paying labor.

Enhanced Financial Reporting Accuracy

Accurate financial reporting is essential for evaluating a company's financial performance. The percentage of completion method contributes to this by providing a more precise reflection of a long-term project's profits or losses during the accounting period in which they occur. Revenues and expenses are recorded in proportion to the level of completion, thereby allowing financial statements to depict an accurate picture of the company's financial status at any given time. As a result, stakeholders can make more informed decisions based on the company's health, as represented on the balance sheet and income statement.

Better Resource Allocation

Effective resource allocation is essential for successful project management, particularly for long-term construction projects. The percentage of completion method allows construction companies to continuously evaluate a project's performance and financial impact. With this method, decision-makers can track the efforts expended, contract costs and overall progress, helping them to reallocate resources, labor or time as needed to ensure the project stays on track. Coupled with cost estimates, this method provides valuable insights that can be used to manage resources efficiently and economically, ultimately leading to the successful completion of projects within budget and time constraints.

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