From Controller to Fractional CFO: Luke Nelson on Cash Flow, Retainage & Building Better Contractors
About the Guest:
Luke Nelson is a seasoned construction finance leader who has served as controller, CFO, and now fractional CFO to contractors across the U.S. He helps owners and project teams align operations and finance, negotiate retainage, and make better decisions using real-time job cost data.
Episode Highlights:
In this Finance at the Job Site episode, Rishi and Luke dive into:
Luke’s journey from public accounting → controller → CFO → fractional CFO
Lessons on overcoming imposter syndrome and earning a seat at the table
Cultural and regional differences in construction finance practices
Why bank balance–based decision-making leads to cash flow surprises
How to use WIP reports to stay ahead of revenue and margin slippage
Practical strategies for negotiating retainage and avoiding fee fade
Why project managers need to be financially literate to protect profit
The importance of monthly project reviews — and how to run them well
The future role of the construction CFO — and where AI fits in
📺 Watch on YouTube
🔔 Follow Finance at the Job Site so you never miss an episode!
📢 Hashtags:
#FinanceAtTheJobSite #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionCFO #FractionalCFO #Retainage #CashFlow #FeeFade #WIPReports #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionPodcast #BuildBetterContractors
To get the next episode delivered directly to your inbox signup here to our newsletter:
https://beiinghuman.com/newsletter-signup/
Spooky Podcasts from iHeartRadio
Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a brave bat, this collection of episodes from iHeartPodcasts will put you in the Halloween spirit. Binge stories, frights, and more that may keep you up at night!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.