April 24 is National Administrative Professionals Day. And this year, we’re taking a different approach. At SDA, we’re celebrating how business professionals in the A|E industry with roles in marketing, finance, human resources, project management, and operations keep the firm in business. Instead of spotlighting individual achievements, we’re diving into the collective essence of our firms, celebrating the interconnectedness of diverse business functions that underpin design endeavors. Much like the celebrated Architecture and Engineering Weeks, let’s delve deeper all week into the intricate business ecosystem of our firms. Today's focus is Finance.

Financial management is pivotal in driving success and sustainability in the complex world of architectural and engineering firms. From navigating tax regulations to optimizing project profitability, finance professionals are responsible for fiscal health and strategic decision-making.

One often overlooked aspect of financial management is understanding and mitigating tax liabilities. In Virginia, firms are subject to a Gross Receipts Tax, which can significantly impact the bottom line.

Case in Point: Take, for instance, the scenario of a joint venture operating in Virginia. Not only does the JV incur Gross Receipts Tax, but each partner is also subject to additional taxation at the individual level. A double whammy can eat into profits and erode financial viability. However, astute financial analysis and strategic planning can uncover opportunities for optimization and savings. Consider the case of a recent joint venture where a firm’s controller identified a significant tax-saving opportunity. By strategically headquartering the JV in Colorado instead of Virginia, the venture saved $13,000 annually and $65,000 over the contract’s life. This simple yet strategic decision increased the JV’s profit dollar for dollar to the bottom line.

But tax optimization is just one piece of the puzzle. Equally important is understanding project profitability by client—a metric that can reveal hidden inefficiencies and identify lucrative opportunities. By analyzing profitability metrics, firms can weed out underperforming projects, allocate resources more efficiently, and prioritize clients with the highest returns.

At SDA, we’re committed to empowering our members with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the intricate terrain of financial management. It’s one reason why we partner with industry leaders such as PSMJ, Profit by Design, and Morrissey Goodale during our conferences. Through these partnerships, we provide our members access to up-to-date financial analysis, industry trends, and best practices—like Deltek & A|E Clarity’s financial survey and McGraw-Hill industry trends—equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Case in Point: After a member attended an SDA conference session by Mony Financial Services on deferred compensation plans using whole life insurance, she brought the idea back to her firm, the firm established and funded the plan, and it continues to be a successful part of the firm’s succession planning.

Finance is the lifeblood of A|E firms, driving strategic decision-making and ensuring long-term sustainability. By embracing financial acumen and leveraging our various member resources, firms can unlock new opportunities, optimize profitability, and chart a course toward continued success in the industry’s ever-evolving landscape.

Look for SDA’s new Certificate in Design Firm Financial Management (CDFO-FM) accreditation coming soon. CPAs and CMAs designations are helpful, but an accreditation specific to A|E|C finances will be a game changer.

Webinar Suggestions:

Benchmark Your Firm Performance for Growth – Deborah Gill

RAISE Your Value and Charge What You’re Worth– June Jewell

How to Achieve a Sustainable, Profitable Business - Mark Goodale