If you've ever sat at your desk wondering why your profit margins aren't quite what you expected, despite a full schedule and hardworking team — this one’s for you.
Financial visibility isn’t just about spreadsheets and QuickBooks dashboards — it’s about equipping your team with the clarity and ownership they need to run a lean, profitable, and motivated operation. In our latest episode of The Beer Garden, we welcomed Chartered Accountant and landscaping industry veteran Michelle Ennis to break down the financial systems that help landscape and snow removal companies thrive.
Here’s what we covered, and what you should be thinking about in your own business.
Michelle’s early experience as co-founder at Landscapers By Nature was one many owners can relate to:
External bookkeepers led to slow reporting
She was the only one reviewing financials
And worst of all — expenses weren’t being caught until it was too late
Without visibility, it’s hard to steer the ship. A financial system isn’t just for your accountant — it’s the backbone of your leadership strategy.
Your chart of accounts is the foundation of financial clarity. It’s how you track revenue and expenses — but a default chart won’t cut it.
Michelle recommends tailoring it to the realities of the landscape/snow industry:
Break out revenue streams (maintenance, enhancements, snow, etc.)
Separate COGS for labor, materials, and equipment
Include overhead categories that align with your org structure
Pro Tip: Avoid overly generic accounts. Your reports should tell a story — one you can act on.
One of the biggest game-changers? Michelle introduced monthly financial review meetings with her leadership team — including operations, HR, and account managers.
These meetings:
Created accountability
Encouraged cost-saving initiatives
Built a collaborative culture around financial results
Real example: One manager realized they were overspending on car washes and switched to a discounted gift card program. That’s how small actions make big impacts.
Hiring a dedicated in-house accounting clerk helped Landscapers By Nature close their books within 10 days of month-end. That allowed for quick decision-making and proactive adjustments.
If you're still relying on quarterly (or worse — year-end) reviews, you're already too late.
Recommended tools:
QuickBooks Online
Google Sheets for customized reporting and dashboards
The magic happens when your team understands the numbers:
Use visual reports to highlight key metrics
Track gross margins by crew
Create bonus structures tied to results
When people see how their choices impact profitability, they start making better ones.
Clean up your chart of accounts
Set a recurring financial review meeting (even if it's just you and a coffee)
Track key reports: Budget vs Actual, Cash Flow, Job Costing
Share numbers with your team and invite input
Start forecasting the upcoming month to build financial intuition
Incentivize outcomes: Use simple bonuses tied to margin, EBITDA, or improvements
This isn't just about dollars and cents. It's about empowering your people, improving decision-making, and building a team that treats your company like it's their own.
Or, as Michelle put it:
“Financial conversations became collaborative instead of combative.”
🎧 Want the full breakdown?
Check out our latest episode of The Beer Garden podcast:
"Money Talks: How to Lead Your Team with Financial Transparency"
Available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you need help implementing these strategies or have questions about growing your landscape or snow removal business, feel free to reach out. We're here to support your journey toward a successful and stress-free future, don’t hesitate to contact us here. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
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