Mastering Financial Success in Earthmoving: Insights from Industry Expert Joel Akerlund
Mastering Financial Success in Earthmoving: Insights from Industry Expert Joel Akerlund
Running an earthmoving business today takes more than just operating machinery and winning work.
Behind every successful contractor is a business owner who understands:
cash flow
profitability
finance
pricing
systems
and long-term planning
On a recent Earthworks Hub Podcast episode, we sat down with Joel Eklund from Sunshine Finance Brokers to discuss his journey from working in the earthmoving industry to helping contractors finance and grow their businesses across Australia.
With experience on both sides of the industry, Joel shared practical advice that operators, contractors and business owners can apply immediately.
That’s why Joel believes understanding your numbers is one of the most important parts of running a successful business.
“Know your numbers. It’s the biggest thing. Manage your cash flow, have your pre-tax meetings, and understand your profitability.” — Joel Akerlund
Many contractors focus heavily on machines and operations but neglect systems that track:
machine costs
fuel usage
profitability
maintenance
labour
cash flow
Without accurate data, it becomes difficult to price work correctly or make smart financial decisions. Using templates such as the Equipment ROI calculator can help with this.
Understanding Your Real Operating Costs
One of the biggest mistakes contractors make is underestimating the true cost of operating machinery.
It’s not just:
fuel
repayments
operator wages
You also need to account for:
servicing
breakdowns
insurances
downtime
tyres/tracks
transport
administration
GST and tax obligations
Joel explained that businesses using proper tracking systems and job costing tools are usually far more profitable long term.
When you know your numbers properly, you stop guessing.
Cash Flow: The Biggest Business Killer
Cash flow issues are one of the most common reasons earthmoving businesses struggle.
You can have:
plenty of work
expensive machinery
large invoices outstanding
…and still run into serious financial stress.
Joel stressed the importance of forecasting and preparing for quieter periods.
Practical Cash Flow Tips
1. Keep Money Aside for Tax
A common recommendation is setting aside around 10–20% of income to help cover:
BAS
GST
tax obligations
unexpected expenses
2. Forecast Ahead
Understanding:
upcoming repayments
project timing
seasonal slowdowns
major expenses
helps avoid surprises.
3. Build Financial Buffers
Businesses with emergency reserves usually survive downturns better than those operating week to week.
“Cash flow kills more businesses than lack of work.” — Joel Akerlund
Why Systems & Processes Matter
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was the importance of systems.
The businesses that tend to survive and grow long term usually have:
organised bookkeeping
accurate quoting systems
job costing
financial reporting
operational processes
Joel recommends using accounting software like Xero alongside proper templates and reporting systems.
Earthmoving businesses that track:
machine hours
fuel burn
maintenance
labour costs
profitability per project
are generally in a much stronger position to scale. Members of Earthworks Hub get a discount with XERO. See the member options for more.
Pre-Tax Planning Can Save Thousands
A major mistake many contractors make is waiting until after EOFY to speak with their accountant.
Joel strongly recommends having a pre-tax planning meeting before the financial year ends.
This gives businesses time to:
structure purchases properly
reduce unnecessary tax
improve cash flow planning
understand deductions
plan asset purchases strategically
“Have a pre-tax meeting with your accountant now, rather than after the period is closed. Planning ahead saves money.” — Joel Akerlund
Buying Equipment: Cash vs Finance
One of the biggest questions contractors ask is:
“Should I buy machinery outright or finance it?”
According to Joel, the answer depends on:
cash flow
business structure
future plans
tax strategy
available capital
Buying Outright
Advantages may include:
no repayments
simpler ownership
potential tax benefits
Financing Equipment
Finance can help businesses:
preserve working capital
maintain cash flow
upgrade equipment sooner
expand operations faster
Joel explained that many successful contractors use finance strategically rather than tying up all their cash in machinery.
Asset Capital Raising Explained
An interesting topic discussed on the podcast was capital raising against existing equipment.
If machinery is owned outright or has significant equity, businesses may be able to leverage those assets to:
fund expansion
purchase additional machinery
improve cash flow
take advantage of new opportunities
However, Joel noted that businesses should always understand:
interest costs
repayment structures
long-term implications
before proceeding.
The Importance of Knowing Industry Cycles
The earthmoving industry constantly changes.
Factors affecting contractors include:
fuel prices
housing markets
government infrastructure spending
weather
interest rates
material costs
Joel believes businesses with strong systems and financial discipline are usually the ones that survive downturns best.
“The contractors who know their numbers usually survive downturns better.” — Joel Akerlund
He also encouraged contractors not to get caught up in constant negativity online or in the media.
Instead, focus on:
improving systems
controlling costs
building relationships
delivering quality work
planning ahead
Practical Advice for Earthmoving Businesses
Here are some of Joel’s key recommendations from the episode:
Implement Proper Systems
Use accounting software, templates and reporting tools to track profitability and costs accurately.
Understand Your Machine Costs
Track:
fuel usage
servicing
repairs
machine hours
downtime
Improve Cash Flow Management
Forecast ahead and avoid relying purely on incoming invoices.
Plan Before EOFY
Speak with accountants early and understand your options before making purchases.
Use Finance Strategically
Finance should support growth — not create unnecessary stress.
Build Relationships
Work with lenders, accountants and brokers who understand the earthmoving industry.
Earthmoving Industry Outlook in 2026
Despite challenges across the industry, Joel believes there are still strong opportunities available for businesses that operate professionally and understand their numbers.
Contractors who focus on:
systems
financial management
operational efficiency
reputation
smart growth
will continue putting themselves in strong positions moving forward.
Watch the Full Podcast Episode
This article is based on a recent Earthworks Hub Podcast conversation with Joel Eklund from Sunshine Finance Brokers.
A plant hire agency generally sources work for subcontractors and owner operators rather than owning all machinery themselves. They connect projects with contractors and equipment operators.
How can I improve cash flow in my earthmoving business?
Regular forecasting, tax planning, accurate job costing and maintaining cash reserves are some of the best ways to improve cash flow stability.
Is it better to finance machinery or buy outright?
It depends on your cash flow, tax strategy and business goals. Financing can preserve working capital, while buying outright may reduce ongoing repayments.
Why is pre-tax planning important?
Meeting with your accountant before EOFY allows businesses to structure purchases and finances strategically rather than reacting later.
Why is understanding machine costs important?
Knowing fuel usage, maintenance costs and hourly operating expenses helps contractors quote work accurately and protect profitability.
Mastering Financial Success in Earthmoving: Insights from Industry Expert Joel Akerlund
Mastering Financial Success in Earthmoving: Insights from Industry Expert Joel Akerlund
Mastering Financial Success in Earthmoving: Insights from Industry Expert Joel Akerlund
Running an earthmoving business today takes more than just operating machinery and winning work.
Behind every successful contractor is a business owner who understands:
On a recent Earthworks Hub Podcast episode, we sat down with Joel Eklund from Sunshine Finance Brokers to discuss his journey from working in the earthmoving industry to helping contractors finance and grow their businesses across Australia.
With experience on both sides of the industry, Joel shared practical advice that operators, contractors and business owners can apply immediately.
Why Financial Management Matters in Earthmoving
The earthmoving industry can be unpredictable.
Projects get delayed. Fuel prices rise. Wet weather slows work. Clients stretch payment terms. Machines break down.
That’s why Joel believes understanding your numbers is one of the most important parts of running a successful business.
Many contractors focus heavily on machines and operations but neglect systems that track:
Without accurate data, it becomes difficult to price work correctly or make smart financial decisions. Using templates such as the Equipment ROI calculator can help with this.
Understanding Your Real Operating Costs
One of the biggest mistakes contractors make is underestimating the true cost of operating machinery.
It’s not just:
You also need to account for:
Joel explained that businesses using proper tracking systems and job costing tools are usually far more profitable long term.
Using tools like the Earthworks Hub Hourly Rate Calculator can help contractors better understand:
When you know your numbers properly, you stop guessing.
Cash Flow: The Biggest Business Killer
Cash flow issues are one of the most common reasons earthmoving businesses struggle.
You can have:
…and still run into serious financial stress.
Joel stressed the importance of forecasting and preparing for quieter periods.
Practical Cash Flow Tips
1. Keep Money Aside for Tax
A common recommendation is setting aside around 10–20% of income to help cover:
2. Forecast Ahead
Understanding:
helps avoid surprises.
3. Build Financial Buffers
Businesses with emergency reserves usually survive downturns better than those operating week to week.
Why Systems & Processes Matter
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was the importance of systems.
The businesses that tend to survive and grow long term usually have:
Joel recommends using accounting software like Xero alongside proper templates and reporting systems.
Earthmoving businesses that track:
are generally in a much stronger position to scale. Members of Earthworks Hub get a discount with XERO. See the member options for more.
Pre-Tax Planning Can Save Thousands
A major mistake many contractors make is waiting until after EOFY to speak with their accountant.
Joel strongly recommends having a pre-tax planning meeting before the financial year ends.
This gives businesses time to:
Buying Equipment: Cash vs Finance
One of the biggest questions contractors ask is:
“Should I buy machinery outright or finance it?”
According to Joel, the answer depends on:
Buying Outright
Advantages may include:
Financing Equipment
Finance can help businesses:
Joel explained that many successful contractors use finance strategically rather than tying up all their cash in machinery.
Asset Capital Raising Explained
An interesting topic discussed on the podcast was capital raising against existing equipment.
If machinery is owned outright or has significant equity, businesses may be able to leverage those assets to:
However, Joel noted that businesses should always understand:
before proceeding.
The Importance of Knowing Industry Cycles
The earthmoving industry constantly changes.
Factors affecting contractors include:
Joel believes businesses with strong systems and financial discipline are usually the ones that survive downturns best.
He also encouraged contractors not to get caught up in constant negativity online or in the media.
Instead, focus on:
Practical Advice for Earthmoving Businesses
Here are some of Joel’s key recommendations from the episode:
Implement Proper Systems
Use accounting software, templates and reporting tools to track profitability and costs accurately.
Understand Your Machine Costs
Track:
Improve Cash Flow Management
Forecast ahead and avoid relying purely on incoming invoices.
Plan Before EOFY
Speak with accountants early and understand your options before making purchases.
Use Finance Strategically
Finance should support growth — not create unnecessary stress.
Build Relationships
Work with lenders, accountants and brokers who understand the earthmoving industry.
Earthmoving Industry Outlook in 2026
Despite challenges across the industry, Joel believes there are still strong opportunities available for businesses that operate professionally and understand their numbers.
Contractors who focus on:
will continue putting themselves in strong positions moving forward.
Watch the Full Podcast Episode
This article is based on a recent Earthworks Hub Podcast conversation with Joel Eklund from Sunshine Finance Brokers.
Watch the full episode on:
Need Help Financing Equipment?
Joel and the team at Sunshine Finance Brokers work with earthmoving and civil construction businesses across Australia.
Whether you are:
they understand the realities of the industry because they have worked in it themselves.
You can also explore more business resources, templates and industry content through Earthworks Hub.
Find Sunshine Finance Brokers in the Earthworks Hub Industry Suppliers and Services Directory
Related Earthworks Hub Resources
FAQ
What is a plant hire agency?
A plant hire agency generally sources work for subcontractors and owner operators rather than owning all machinery themselves. They connect projects with contractors and equipment operators.
How can I improve cash flow in my earthmoving business?
Regular forecasting, tax planning, accurate job costing and maintaining cash reserves are some of the best ways to improve cash flow stability.
Is it better to finance machinery or buy outright?
It depends on your cash flow, tax strategy and business goals. Financing can preserve working capital, while buying outright may reduce ongoing repayments.
Why is pre-tax planning important?
Meeting with your accountant before EOFY allows businesses to structure purchases and finances strategically rather than reacting later.
Why is understanding machine costs important?
Knowing fuel usage, maintenance costs and hourly operating expenses helps contractors quote work accurately and protect profitability.
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