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

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📢 Hashtags:
#FinanceAtTheJobSite #ConstructionFinance #ConstructionCFO #FractionalCFO #Retainage #CashFlow #FeeFade #WIPReports #ConstructionLeadership #ConstructionPodcast #BuildBetterContractors

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