Kevin Jacobs (CCIFP) on WIP Mastery, Cash Flow, and Scaling with the Right ERP

Construction finance is a different animal. In this episode, Kevin Jacobs, CCIFP—fractional CFO and longtime finance leader across construction, steel, and manufacturing—explains why the WIP schedule is the heartbeat of a contractor, how to stay liquid during growth and downturns, and what to prioritize when choosing and training on ERPs like Vista, SAP, NetSuite, and QuickBooks. We also dig into PM–finance communication, culture and M&A, and where AI helps AP teams move from data entry to decision-making.What you’ll learnHow to turn your WIP from “bonding requirement” into a daily management toolCash flow playbook: reserves, lines of credit, bonding relationships, AR disciplineThe shift to fractional CFO support: when it makes sense and what changesRed flags Kevin sees repeatedly: no/poor job costing, underused ERP, weak forecasting, key-person riskERP selection rule: fit over features—and why training often matters more than softwarePractical PM–finance communication (talk labor hours, utilization, mobilization—not EBITDA)AI in AP: freeing time for analysis and improving accuracy with human-in-the-loop controlsThe first advice Kevin gives a new construction CFO: be the best listenerAbout Kevin Jacobs, CCIFPKevin is a construction-focused fractional CFO who’s led finance for global manufacturers and contractors. He holds the CCIFP credential (via CFMA) and specializes in WIP reporting, cash flow, ERP adoption, and scaling finance teams.ChaptersIntroKevin’s blue-collar roots & why construction financeJobsite impact: from dirt moving to finished assetsLessons from global companies: discipline of scale & volatilityWhy fractional CFO; who should consider itJuggling clients = project management for financeOwner/operator lens from running a businessWork–life balance for ownersCCIFP: why it matters (via CFMA)WIP mistakes: treating it as a checkbox vs. management toolHow to test WIP accuracy (tie to P&L, complete job list)Linking % complete to physical progressSpeaking PM language (labor, utilization, mobilization)Cash flow in growth & downturns (reserves, LOC, bonding, AR)Recurring red flags: job costing, ERP underuse, forecasting, key-person riskM&A/restructuring: culture, backlog, under-billings, bonding capacityAligning finance with ops: fixing estimating & marginsERP selection: fit over features; don’t skimp on trainingAI & real-time data: from entry to analysisAP automation in practice (human-in-the-loop)One tip for first-time construction CFOsWrapIf you want to watch video of this podcast, here is the YouTube link:https://youtu.be/xlPtT1Mkr-g?si=FoGuP8NCXxeczzWOResources mentionedCFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) and the CCIFP credentialERPs: Vista, SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooksConnectHost: Rishi Srivastava — Finance at the Jobsite PodcastGuest: Kevin Jacobs, CCIFP — Fractional CFOLike what you heard?Subscribe for weekly conversations with construction CFOs, controllers, and operators tackling margins, cash, WIP, and systems. Drop your questions in the comments—we may cover them in a future episode.#ConstructionFinance #CCIFP #CFMA #WIP #CashFlow #ConstructionERP #FractionalCFO #APAutomation #Vista #NetSuite #SAP #QuickBooksTo get the next episode delivered directly to your inbox signup here to our newsletter:https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/