Managing the accounting for a construction company in Quebec means juggling CCQ payroll, mandatory monthly reports, progress billing, and dozens of tax deductions related to heavy equipment. A general accountant isn’t enough: you need an accountant who specializes in construction and understands the rules of the Commission de la construction du Québec and the realities of your job site.
At Bankeo, our network of over 1,500 accounting firms across Quebec includes numerous specialists in the construction industry. Since 2023, we have matched more than 12,000 contractors with the accountant best suited to their business needs. This guide explains why a specialized accountant makes all the difference, what services to look for, and how to find the right accounting partner for your construction business.
The construction industry in Quebec is one of the most heavily regulated in Canada. Between Bill R-20, collective bargaining agreements, CCQ requirements, and those of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), a general accountant risks overlooking critical obligations or significant deductions.
Managing CCQ union payroll is likely the most demanding accounting challenge for construction contractors. Collective bargaining agreements dictate hourly rates, bonuses, benefits, and mandatory contributions. Since January 2026, payment of the monthly CCQ report must be made electronically through your financial institution or via direct debit (DPA). An accountant who does not 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, record-keeping must comply with strict standards: all records, contracts, invoices, and purchase orders must be retained for a minimum of six years.
Construction companies are eligible for specific tax deductions that only an accountant with experience in the industry can fully take advantage of: accelerated depreciation on heavy machinery, deductions for construction vehicles, travel expenses between job sites, safety equipment, and more.
An accountant specializing in the construction industry offers services tailored to the specific realities of the sector. Here are the essential services you should look for.
This is the most critical service. Your accountant must:
Unlike other industries, the construction industry operates on a project-by-project basis. Your accountant must be able to track the profitability of each project individually: labor costs, materials, subcontracting, and allocated overhead. Progress billing, based on the stage of completion, and the management of retention funds (typically 10% of the contract) require specialized expertise.
The tax returns for a construction corporation are more complex than those for a service-based business. Your accountant must be familiar with the capital cost allowance (CCA) categories applicable to your equipment, the available tax credits, and the specific rules governing construction contracts.
If you work with subcontractors, your accountant must ensure that each subcontract is properly documented, that the certificates from Revenu Québec are valid, and that invoicing is in compliance. Poor management of subcontracts can result in joint and several liability for tax obligations.
Since January 2026, the CCQ has updated its monthly report and made electronic payment mandatory. Certain statuses (M, F, L) have been removed to streamline administrative procedures. If your accountant is not aware of these changes, that should raise a red flag.
As a construction contractor, you are subject to accounting and legal requirements that other industries do not have. Your accountant must be thoroughly familiar with them.
Every employer subject to Act R-20 must maintain 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 work has been performed. Late submissions or omissions will result in penalties. Your accountant must meet the submission deadlines and ensure that all data is accurate.
All accounting records, contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and supporting documents must be retained for at least six years. A good accountant sets up an efficient filing and archiving system to facilitate tax audits.
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec requires that every contractor hold a valid license, which must be renewed annually. Your accountant can help you prepare the financial documents required to maintain your license, including surety bonds and proof of solvency.
An accountant specializing in the construction industry knows exactly which deductions to claim to maximize your savings. Here are the main categories to look out for with the help of your tax expert.
Construction equipment (excavators, loaders, cranes, concrete mixers) is depreciable according to the Canada Revenue Agency’s CCA categories. For equipment acquired starting in 2026, Class 43 generally applies with a 30% depreciation rate . Manufacturing and processing equipment still listed under Class 53 benefits from a 50% rate. An experienced accountant optimizes the classification of each asset to maximize your deductions.
Trucks, vans, and utility vehicles used on construction sites are tax-deductible. Vehicles weighing more than 3,000 kg (Class 16, 40%) offer more favorable depreciation rates than passenger vehicles. Your accountant must also maintain a mileage log if the vehicles are used for both business and personal purposes.
The costs of materials (wood, concrete, steel, insulation) and invoices from subcontractors are fully deductible as operating expenses. Your accountant must ensure that each expense is properly categorized and supported by documentation.
Contractors who manage construction sites in different regions of Quebec can deduct travel, lodging, and meal expenses related to remote job sites. These deductions are often underutilized by general accountants.
Personal protective equipment (helmets, boots, harnesses, safety goggles), mandatory safety training, and construction site safety equipment (fencing, signage) are 100% deductible as operating expenses.
The rates charged by construction accountants in Quebec vary depending on the number of employees, the volume of projects, and the complexity of your operations. Here is a realistic overview to help you plan your budget. For a more detailed comparison, check out our guide on the cost of accounting services in Quebec.
| Service | Price range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CCQ Payroll Management | $50 to $150 per employee | Per month |
| Bookkeeping | $200 to $800 | Per month |
| Tax Returns (Q2/2017) | $1,500 to $3,500 | Per year |
| Project Accounting | $300 to $1,000 | Per month |
| CCQ Monthly Reports | $100 to $300 | Per month |
| Tax consulting | $150 to $300 per hour | If necessary |
Factors that influence pricing: the number of CCQ-certified employees, the number of active projects at any given time, your annual revenue, the complexity of the subcontracting work, and the number of regions in which you operate. A general contractor with 20 employees and 5 active job sites will naturally pay more than a specialized subcontractor with 3 employees.
The CCA classes for heavy machinery changed in 2026. Newly acquired equipment now falls under Class 43 (30%) rather than Class 53 (50%). An accountant who is up to date on these changes can help you plan your purchases to maximize depreciation.
Bankeo connects you for free with accountants who are familiar with the CCQ, union payroll, and industry-specific deductions.
Find my construction accountantNot all accountants are created equal when it comes to the construction industry. Here are the key criteria for choosing the right accountant in this demanding sector.
Ask directly: “How many clients in the construction industry do you currently manage?” An accountant who already handles CCQ payroll for several companies knows the pitfalls to avoid and the industry’s best practices.
There are several sectors within the construction industry (residential, commercial, institutional, civil engineering), each with its own collective bargaining agreements. Your accountant must be familiar with the hourly rates and contribution schedules applicable to your sector.
The ability to track profitability by project is essential. Your accountant should use accounting software that supports project-based reporting, such as Acomba Construction, Sage Construction, or specialized solutions.
CCQ deadlines are strict. Your accountant must be available every month to prepare and submit reports on time. An accountant who doesn’t respond for two weeks is not a good fit for the construction industry.
Feel free to ask for references from other construction contractors. A good accountant will be recommended by their existing clients in the industry.
Finding an accountant who specializes in the construction industry on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. That’s exactly where Bankeo comes in.
Our accounting matchmaking service works simply:
Whether you’re a general contractor in Montreal, a subcontractor in Quebec City, or a renovation specialist anywhere in Quebec, our network of over 1,500 firms includes professionals who understand your unique situation. If you’re a self-employed construction worker, our partner accountants are also familiar with that reality.
No. The CCQ regulates construction workers and employers, not accounting professionals. However, your accountant must be familiar with CCQ regulations in order to manage your payroll and reporting correctly. Ideally, choose a CPA who is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec and has proven experience in the sector.
The cost generally ranges from $50 to $150 per employee per month, depending on the complexity (number of different trades, multiple job sites, and pay frequency). Some firms offer volume discounts for companies with more than 10 employees.
Vehicles used primarily for construction purposes are depreciable. Heavy vehicles (over 3,000 kg) are subject to a 40% capital cost allowance rate (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 purposes.
No, a single accountant can manage all your projects. The key is that they use a project-based accounting system that allows you to track the costs, revenue, and profitability of each project separately.
Retention deposits (typically 10% of the contract amount) are recorded as separate accounts receivable. They are released after the warranty period (usually 12 months). Your accountant must track them separately to avoid distorting your cash flow picture.
A new employer must register with the CCQ, obtain an employer number, begin submitting monthly reports starting in the first month, and pay the minimum contribution of $5 even if there is no business activity. Your accountant should assist you with these initial steps.
Yes, but not in full during the first year. Equipment is depreciated according to the CRA’s CCA classes. Class 43 (30%) applies to most equipment purchased in 2026. A specialized accountant will optimize the classification to maximize your deductions year after year.
Yes. A specialized accountant can help you calculate your actual costs (labor, materials, overhead, and profit margin) so that your bids are competitive while remaining profitable. This is a high-value-added service that can make the difference between winning or losing a contract.
Perhaps, but it’s risky. If your accountant has no experience with the CCQ, collective bargaining agreements, or project-based accounting, you risk costly errors in payroll, monthly reports, and tax filings. The apparent savings from hiring a less expensive generalist often end up as penalties and missed deductions.
Absolutely. Whether you have 2 or 200 employees, our network includes accountants suited to construction companies of all sizes. We match you with an accountant based on your revenue, specific needs, and budget.
Fill out the form in just 2 minutes. Our team will match you with an accountant who is familiar with the CCQ and the realities of your industry.
Find my construction accountantAccounting for a construction company in Quebec isn’t something you can wing. 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 matchmaking service. Our network of over 1,500 firms across Quebec includes professionals who live and breathe the construction industry. Find the right one for you for free today.
Whether you fill out the form or talk to our team, we will get to know you, your business and the type of bookkeeper you are looking for.
Our solution will find you the 3 accounting specialists that best fit your needs and will contact you at the desired time.
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