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Cost, budget & profitability
How to track job cost vs budget in real time
Job cost vs budget is useful only if actuals land on the same project the estimator used — while the job is still open. Spectr is built so material issues, shop hours, and field time attach to the project, instead of waiting for a month-end spreadsheet rebuild.
Key facts
- A budget in one file and actuals in another is how jobs look fine until closeout.
- Spectr tracks cost against the job as operational work happens, not as a separate finance project.
- Hours without a job code are payroll, not job cost.
- Spectr is meant to sit beside Sage or Jonas — it does not replace the general ledger.
How shops handle this
- Use one project record
The estimate, the BOM, the hours, and the freight should share an ID. - Capture hours at the work
Shop boards and field tasks beat a Friday recap. - Issue material to the job
Unallocated sheet will be used by whoever is loudest. - Review weekly
A surprise at month-end is an accounting report, not management.
Common questions
Can Spectr replace Sage for job cost?
No. Spectr is the operational source of actuals. Accounting integrations exist so the ledger can stay where it works.
What if estimating stays in Excel?
Awarded jobs still need a live project. Estimating can stay in a workbook until you choose otherwise.
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