MEP Full Form
Accounting for MEP Companies in UAE
MEP is a cipher which stands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works within the construction arena. These disciplines are addressed together due to their interactions in the equipment field. Dubai has big player companies in the MEP world which adds a huge to the economy of the country.
As Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contracting is a part of construction works it exponentially grows with the growth of the construction industry globally. Accounting services are vital for MEP companies like any other industry. Specialised software is required to maintain seamless workflow among the activities with high operating efficiency and increased profitability. MEP activities require critical planning and smart decisions imbibed with confidence to enhance growth and financial stability. MEP Management is an industry-specific activity which covers business activities starting from the contract creation to the completion.
MEP companies can choose any of the following accounting methods, the various costs associated are customary accounts that are prepared based on the following costs.
Direct costs: The actual costs associated with projects which include:
- Materials
- Labour
- Subcontractors
- Equipment
- Other
Indirect costs: Costs which cannot be associated with the projects (shared costs)
- Project Management
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Communications
- Supplies
- Training
Overhead costs: Costs which are related to administration and general expenses
- Management and Administrative Payroll
- Facilities
- Office Operations
- Taxes and Compliance
- Advertising
Here are the most common accounting methods MEP companies follow:
Cash basis: The basic form of accounting used in MEP companies as it provides the least view of financial health. In the cash basis method, income is recorded on the date that the payment is received in your bank account. The cost of goods sold and overhead costs are recorded when payment is made.
Accrual basis: In the accrual accounting method, the income and expenses are recorded when the customer is charged. This method provides a better view of financial health.
Percentage of completion method: The most common accounting method used by the contractors and other construction businesses, under the percentage of completion method. The regular basis of recording of income and expenses are done. Revenue is recognised on the portion of the work completed. It depicts an accurate view of profit earned.
Completed contract method: Income and expenses are recognized when a contract is completed in full.
The Importance of MEP Project Management
Effective MEP project management ensures that these critical components are ordered, scheduled, and installed correctly, impacting the project’s ability to stay on time and on budget. The pre-planning of mechanical equipment, which needs to be ordered months in advance, and the dependencies on MEP for subsequent stages, like tiling and painting, underscore its significance.
Architecturally, elements like ductwork must precede other tasks, such as ceiling installation, highlighting the sequential nature of construction projects. Closing up the building’s structure only happens after MEP installations are thoroughly inspected and approved, emphasizing the need for meticulous management. The certificate of occupancy, a vital milestone in moving a construction project forward, is directly tied to the functioning of the MEP systems. This process is verified through rigorous commissioning and requires close attention to timeline.
Why Accounting for MEP Companies?
MEP companies function based on the project management systems, therefore it requires a frequent influx of cash for the operations. Therefore, a good accounting system for MEP companies helps in tracking:
- Billing and collections within the operating activities
- Cash flow management services are necessary for work scheduling and planning activities
- Determine the earnings from each project and for efficient operations
Accounting offers numerous benefits for businesses, including:
- Financial Management: It helps in tracking income, expenses, and overall financial health, enabling better budgeting and financial planning.
- Compliance: Ensures that the business adheres to legal requirements, such as tax filings and financial reporting standards.
- Decision Making: Provides critical data for making informed business decisions, such as investments, cost-cutting measures, and pricing strategies.
- Performance Evaluation: Helps in assessing the performance of different departments, projects, or products, allowing for more effective management.
- Investor Relations: Accurate financial records are essential for attracting and retaining investors, as they provide transparency and build trust.
- Risk Management: Identifies financial risks and helps in developing strategies to mitigate them.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlines financial processes, reducing errors and saving time.
For MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) companies, these benefits are particularly crucial due to the complexity and scale of their projects. Accurate accounting ensures that each project is profitable and that resources are allocated efficiently.
Understanding the costs of conducting business is critical to the profitability of that business. One aspect that is often overlooked is the maintenance and replacement of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. These systems are easy to overlook because the expenses to maintain them seem optional. If you skip a month or year you may not see an immediate problem. However, not maintaining MEP systems can lead to larger expenses down the road. MEP systems are like the engine in your car — they are responsible for making the building run. If you don’t change the oil in your car, you can have poor performance and it will leave you stranded on the side of the road at the least opportune time. In addition, you will have to arrange temporary transportation while waiting to have the engine replaced. The same is true of MEP systems. If they are not maintained you will have poor performance and they will fail at the most inconvenient moment. Then you will have to replace them while determining how to conduct business without the system.
Emergency/immediate MEP system replacements cost thousands of dollars (usually 5-6 digit costs per system), plus the business interruption costs (How much money will your business lose when your employees are unable to work?). In comparison, maintenance contracts are hundreds of dollars (3-4 digit costs per system) depending on the system(s) being maintained and the services performed. Regular maintenance also helps alert you to high-risk systems that may need to be replaced or repaired. Planned MEP system replacements (while still costing thousands) are typically cheaper than emergency replacements. By planning ahead, you have time to get competitive pricing, minimize downtime, and reduce or eliminate business interruption costs.
AHG’s Industrial manufacturing practice provides guidance in such areas as revenue growth, margins, inventory, costs, investment trends, solutions, customer relationship management, sales and operations, integrated business planning, and service-oriented architecture technologies. Our experience working with distributors is an integral part of our manufacturing and distribution practice. We believe in success and we believe that one financial advice can change your company’s future. For further Audit, Accounting, Tax or consultancy inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking the following button.
