Managing the accounting of a construction company in Quebec means juggling CCQ payroll, mandatory monthly reports, progressive invoicing and dozens of tax deductions related to heavy equipment. A general accountant is not enough: you need an accountant specializing in construction who knows the rules of the Commission de la construction du Québec and the realities of your site.
At Bankeo, our network of 1,500+ accounting firms across Quebec includes several specialists in the construction industry. Since 2023, we have matched more than 12,000 entrepreneurs with the ideal accountant for their business reality. This guide explains why a specialized accountant makes all the difference, what services to require, and how to find the right accounting partner for your construction company.
The construction industry in Quebec is one of the most regulated in Canada. Between Act R-20, collective agreements, the requirements of the CCQ and those of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), a general accountant risks missing out on critical obligations or important deductions.
Managing the CCQ unionized payroll is probably the most demanding accounting challenge for construction contractors. Collective agreements dictate hourly rates, bonuses, benefits and mandatory dues. Since January 2026, the payment of the CCQ monthly report must be made electronically through your financial institution or by automatic payment (PAD). An accountant who doesn't master these rules exposes you to costly penalties.
A contractor subject to Act R-20 must submit a monthly report to the CCQ for each period, even if no work has been performed. The minimum contribution of $5 per month remains mandatory. At the same time, bookkeeping must comply with strict standards: retention of all records, contracts, invoices and purchase orders for a minimum of 6 years.
Construction companies have specific tax deductions that only an experienced accountant in the sector can fully exploit: accelerated depreciation on heavy machinery, deductions for construction vehicles, travel expenses between sites, safety equipment, and more.
An accountant specializing in construction offers services adapted to the concrete realities of the sector. Here are the essential services to require.
This is the most critical service. Your accountant must:
Unlike other industries, construction is project-based. Your accountant must be able to track the profitability of each site individually: labor costs, materials, subcontracting, allocated overheads. Progressive invoicing, based on the progress of the work, and the management of retention monies (generally 10% of the contract) require special expertise.
The tax returns of a corporation under construction are more complex than those of a service company. Your accountant must be familiar with the capital cost allowance (CCA) categories applicable to your equipment, the tax credits available and the rules specific to construction contracts.
If you work with subcontractors, your accountant must ensure that each subcontract is properly documented, that the Revenu Québec attestations are valid, and that the invoicing is compliant. Poor management of subcontracts can lead to joint and several tax liabilities.
Since January 2026, the CCQ has modernized its monthly report and made electronic payment mandatory. Some statutes (M, F, L) have been withdrawn to simplify administration. If your accountant isn't aware of these changes, that's a red flag.
As a construction contractor, you are subject to accounting and legal obligations that other industries do not have. Your accountant should know them inside out.
All employers subject to Act R-20 must keep a detailed record of their employees, including hours worked, wages paid, contributions, and benefits. This record must be available at all times in the event of an inspection.
The monthly report must be submitted for each period, even if no construction activity has been completed. Delays or omissions will result in penalties. Your accountant must respect the deadlines for transmission and ensure that all data is accurate.
All accounting records, contracts, invoices, purchase orders and supporting documents must be kept for a minimum of 6 years. A good accountant sets up an effective filing and archiving system to facilitate tax audits.
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec requires that each contractor hold a valid licence, which is renewed annually. Your accountant can help you prepare the financial documents required to maintain your licence, including surety bonds and proof of creditworthiness.
A construction accountant knows exactly what deductions to claim to maximize your savings. Here are the top categories to look out for with the help of your tax expert.
Construction machinery (excavators, loaders, cranes, concrete mixers) is depreciable according to the CCA classes of the Canada Revenue Agency. For equipment acquired from 2026 onwards, Class 43 generally applies with a depreciation rate of 30%. Manufacturing and processing equipment still in the register under category 53 benefits from a rate of 50%. An experienced accountant optimizes the classification of each asset to maximize your deductions.
Trucks, vans and commercial vehicles used on construction sites are deductible. Vehicles over 3,000 kg (Class 16, 40%) offer more advantageous depreciation than passenger vehicles. Your accountant must also manage the mileage log if the vehicles are used for mixed use.
Material costs (wood, concrete, steel, insulation) and subcontractor invoices are fully deductible as operating expenses. Your accountant should ensure that each expense is properly categorized and documented with supporting documents.
Contractors who manage construction sites in different regions of Quebec can deduct travel, accommodation and meal expenses related to remote sites. These deductions are often underutilized by general accountants.
Personal protective equipment (helmets, boots, harnesses, goggles), mandatory safety training and construction site safety equipment (fences, signage) are 100% deductible as operating expenses.
The rates of a construction accountant in Quebec vary according to the number of employees, the volume of projects and the complexity of your operations. Here's a realistic overview to help you budget. For a more detailed comparison, see our guide to the cost of an accountant in Quebec.
| Service | Price Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CCQ payroll management | $50 to $150 per employee | Per month |
| Bookkeeping | $200 to $800 | Per month |
| Tax Returns (T2/CO-17) | $1,500 to $3,500 | By year |
| Project-based accounting | $300 to $1,000 | Per month |
| CCQ Monthly Reports | $100 to $300 | Per month |
| Tax Consulting | $150 to $300 per hour | As needed |
Factors that influence the price: the number of CCQ employees, the number of projects active simultaneously, your annual turnover, the complexity of subcontracting and the number of regions of operation. A general contractor with 20 employees and 5 active sites will naturally pay more than a specialized subcontractor with 3 employees.
The CCA categories for heavy equipment have changed in 2026. Newly acquired equipment now falls under category 43 (30%) rather than category 53 (50%). An accountant who is up to date with these changes can help you plan your acquisitions to maximize depreciation.
Bankeo matches you free of charge with accountants who know the CCQ, syndicated payroll, and industry-specific deductions.
Find my construction accountantNot all accountants are equal when it comes to construction. Here are the key criteria for choosing the right accountant in this demanding sector.
Ask directly, "How many construction customers do you currently handle?" An accountant who already manages the CCQ payroll of several companies knows the pitfalls to avoid and the best practices in the sector.
There are several sectors in the construction industry (residential, commercial, institutional, civil engineering), each with its own collective agreements. Your accountant must be familiar with the hourly rates and contribution grids applicable to your sector of activity.
The ability to track profitability by site is essential. Your accountant must use accounting software that allows segmentation by project: Acomba Construction, Sage Construction or specialized solutions.
CCQ deadlines are unforgiving. Your accountant must be available each month to prepare and submit reports on time. An accountant who does not respond for 2 weeks is not compatible with the requirements of the construction.
Don't hesitate to ask for references from other construction contractors. An accountant who does the job well will be recommended by their existing clients in the industry.
Searching for a construction accountant on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. This is exactly where Bankeo comes in.
Our Accounting Matching Service works simply:
Whether you are a general contractor in Montreal, a subcontractor in Quebec City, or a renovation specialist anywhere in Quebec, our network of 1,500+ firms includes professionals who master your reality. If you are more of a self-employed worker in construction, our partner accountants also know this reality.
No. The CCQ governs construction workers and employers, not professional accountants. However, your accountant must be familiar with the CCQ's rules to manage your payroll and reporting properly. Ideally, choose a CPA who is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec and has demonstrated experience in the sector.
The cost generally varies between $50 and $150 per employee per month, depending on the complexity (number of different trades, multiple sites, frequency of payroll). Some firms offer sliding scale packages for more than 10 employees.
Vehicles used primarily for construction are depreciable. Heavy vehicles (over 3,000 kg) benefit from a CCA rate of 40% (category 16). Fuel, maintenance and insurance costs are also deductible as operating expenses. Keep a mileage log if the vehicle is also used for personal use.
No, one accountant can manage all your projects. The important thing is that it uses a project-based accounting system that allows the costs, revenues, and profitability of each site to be tracked independently.
Holdbacks (typically 10% of the contract) are accounted for as separate accounts receivable . They are released after the warranty period (usually 12 months). Your accountant must follow them separately so as not to distort your cash flow picture.
A new employer must register with the CCQ, obtain an employer number, start sending monthly reports in the first month and pay the minimum contribution of $5 even if they are not working. Your accountant should accompany you in these initial steps.
Yes, but not in full in the first year. Equipment is depreciated according to the CRA's CCA classes . Class 43 (30%) applies to most equipment acquired in 2026. A specialized accountant optimizes the filing to maximize your deductions year after year.
Yes. A specialized accountant can help you calculate your actual costs (labor, materials, overhead, margin) so that your bids are competitive while remaining profitable. It is a high value-added service that can make the difference between winning or losing a contract.
Possibly, but it's risky. If your accountant has no experience with the CCQ, collective agreements, and project-based accounting, you risk costly errors in payroll, monthly reports, and tax returns. The apparent savings of a cheaper generalist often turn into penalties and missed deductions.
Absolutely. Whether you have 2 or 200 employees, our network includes accountants adapted to all sizes of construction companies. The match takes into account your turnover, your specific needs and your budget.
Fill out the form in 2 minutes. Our team matches you with an accountant who knows the CCQ and the realities of your industry.
Find my construction accountantThe accounting of a construction company in Quebec cannot be improvised. Between CCQ payroll, mandatory monthly reports, project-based accounting and tax deductions specific to heavy machinery, only an accountant specializing in construction can truly protect and optimize your financial situation.
Rather than risking penalties, missed deductions or errors in your CCQ reports, trust Bankeo's accounting pairing. Our network of 1,500+ firms across Quebec includes professionals who live and breathe the reality of construction. Find yours for free now.
Whether it's filling out the form or talking to our team, we'll get to know you, your business, and the type of bookkeeper you're looking for.
Our solution will find you the 3 accounting specialists that best suit your needs and will contact you at the desired time.
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