5 Ways McGill’s Accounting Staff Ensure Client Success

November 10, 2025 – International Accounting Day

The 10th of November is International Accounting Day, and we want to recognize our accounting team for their efforts to drive project success for our clients. Here are five things about our accounting team that make them a crucial part of the firm’s success. McGill’s Vice President of Finance, Nancy Whitman, CPA, and her team are in charge of some of the most important components of McGill’s success as an organization. From filing tax returns and other federal documentation, to ensuring profit reporting is accurate and sufficient cash is available to support on-going operations and strategic growth, accountants play a critical role.

Our Accounting Project Strategists are Driving Project Success

Over the years, the role of accounting staff has fundamentally shifted. Today, our accounting team functions not merely as bookkeepers, but as crucial business strategists and project partners. Accounting staff are completing tasks that are absolutely critical to the speed and health of our client’s projects.

For clients and management alike, understanding this strategic shift is vital. When we ask why our clients should care about our accounting staff, the answer is clear: they drive project success by providing real-time financial control and actionable insights.

1. Project-Based Financial Analysis

McGill’s financial strategy is driven by data; our accounting team performs project-based financial analysis. This requires our staff to deeply understand job cost accounting, which is an accounting method that tracks the costs at the level of each specific project, allowing the firm to determine if the work will be profitable. This includes tracking our firm’s design time, expenses, subconsultant expenses, and overhead to each project.

They track and analyze costs for each individual project in real time, which provides project managers with the information they need to proactively manage their projects. The team transforms this information into visual dashboards that our project managers can use to monitor project costs, which is like having a financial heart monitor running constantly on the project. This real-time visibility helps our project managers see any sudden spikes in costs and make corrections before things spiral out of control.

2. Faster Decisions Through Data Systems Proficiency

Modern accounting staff must be highly proficient with data systems. Our team utilizes sophisticated tools to transform raw financial data into usable strategic information; we use enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and business intelligence tools alongside advanced spreadsheet modeling.

These tools enable the team to effectively slice and dice data, which helps them provide project managers with accurate and actionable information. The team’s ability to expertly use ERP systems creates one source of truth—one that successfully eliminates data silos across the firm. The result is tangible: it takes less time to produce reports and decisions are made faster. To maintain this edge, our staff are attending Deltek ProjectCon for the 6th year to keep learning more about new features of our ERP system, Deltek Vantagepoint, which is a modern, purpose-built ERP system specifically designed for the engineering industry.

3. Effective Communication Bridges Financial Health and Project Execution

Our accounting staff bridge the gap between financial health and project execution. Weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) keeps the firm’s projects and financial health on track. Our team translates complex financial data and accounting principles into clear, easy-to-understand terms. Having accessible and actionable financial realities benefits firm leadership, project managers, and clients. It ensures that all personnel are working toward the same outcome and have a shared understanding of financial implications.

4. Building Confidence and Assurance Through Compliance

The accounting team’s adherence to rigorous financial standards provides the bedrock foundation for organizational stability and reliability. McGill has two CPAs on staff who ensure our financials adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) standards, relevant tax laws, and industry regulations. Our commitment to regular auditing and compliance reduces our clients’ risk exposure and helps us build trust.

5. Clear, Timely Billing: A Sign of Discipline

Accurate and timely invoicing is representative of a well-managed project. Therefore, we strive for clear and prompt invoicing. We recently changed our monthly invoicing process to a more interactive process that allows our project managers and accounting staff to collaborate more easily within our ERP system. This helps us promptly evaluate the financial health of our projects and provide clients with accurate invoices. Ultimately, collection of Accounts Receivable (AR) closes the loop on the successful completion of projects.

McGill’s Accounting Team Continues Evolve

The accounting function at McGill is continually evolving Building on a foundation of technical mastery and rigorous compliance, the team is poised to leverage these strategic capabilities for even greater impact. As our CFO, Nancy Whitman, affirms: “Accurate and timely financial reporting is critical to the financial stability of the firm. Not only for the financial health of our projects and firm but forward looking for future opportunities and strategic planning that allows McGill to continue Shaping Communities Together.” This forward momentum assures sound project execution, safeguards the firm’s financial future, and deepens client confidence.

Nancy Whitman, CPA

Principal / Vice President of Finance

Nancy Whitman is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm, including accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Her 33 years of experience, 26 with McGill, allow her to effectively manage the financial responsibilities of the firm and serve as an essential strategic advisor. Under Nancy’s leadership and guidance, McGill has established a robust financial record and increased its capacity to do business.