· COST ACCOUNTING · R&D CREDITS · INVENTORY · TAX PLANNING
Financial Expertise That Matches the Complexity of Manufacturing
Inventory valuation, cost of goods, equipment depreciation, and R&D credits require advisors who understand manufacturing operations. Archer Lewis works with manufacturers who need financial expertise that matches the complexity of what they build.
Our Approach
Financial advisors who understand what it costs to make something.
Manufacturing businesses operate on margins where the difference between profitable and unprofitable is often in the accounting: how inventory is valued, how overhead is allocated, how equipment is depreciated, and whether the R&D credit is being captured for product development work that's already happening. Archer Lewis works with manufacturers across industries to build the financial infrastructure and tax strategy that supports efficient, profitable operations.
What We Handle
Accounting and tax services for manufacturers
From cost accounting to R&D credits, our team handles the financial complexity specific to manufacturing.
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Cost Accounting & COGS
Accurate cost of goods sold tracking: direct materials, direct labor, and overhead allocated correctly so your margins reflect reality.
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Inventory Accounting
FIFO, LIFO, weighted average: inventory valuation methods selected and applied consistently.
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R&D Tax Credit
Manufacturers consistently qualify for R&D credits on product development and process improvement. We find and document every dollar.
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Equipment Depreciation
Bonus depreciation, Section 179, and MACRS schedules optimized for your capital investment cycle.
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Manufacturing Tax Planning
UNICAP rules and manufacturer-specific tax strategies applied proactively.
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Multi-State Sales Tax
Manufacturers selling across state lines face complex sales tax obligations. We manage compliance across every state where you have nexus.
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CFO & Controller Services
Strategic financial leadership for manufacturers that need more than accounting.
Many manufacturers qualify for the R&D credit but never claim it.
Product development, process improvement, materials testing, and custom engineering all generate qualifying R&D credit activities in manufacturing. The credit reduces federal tax liability dollar for dollar, not just as a deduction. Archer Lewis reviews manufacturing operations proactively for credit eligibility ahead of the filing deadline.
Talk to a Manufacturing Advisor
Common Questions
What manufacturers ask us.
If you're developing new products, improving existing products, testing new materials, or improving manufacturing processes, you likely qualify. The R&D credit isn't limited to formal research departments. It applies to the technical problem-solving that happens on the shop floor and in the engineering department every day.
Inventory valuation method (FIFO, LIFO, or weighted average) directly affects your cost of goods sold and therefore your taxable income. We analyze which method produces the best outcome for your situation and ensures consistent application.
UNICAP requires manufacturers to capitalize certain indirect costs into inventory rather than deducting them currently. The calculation is complex and easy to get wrong. We handle UNICAP compliance correctly so your inventory is valued accurately and your tax return is defensible.
Bonus depreciation and Section 179 allow immediate deduction of qualifying equipment purchases, potentially reducing taxable income significantly in the year of purchase. We plan equipment acquisition timing to maximize the tax benefit, coordinating with your capital expenditure plans.
