Christopher Ward Apr 3, 2015:

Been away. Looking back and in response to mmb42, I agree and apologise for my misinformed translation! Indeed, the 未成 must be related to the 未完成工事 and not the balance itself. Hence, 'balance of monies available to complete works' or something to that effect would be the correct meaning. Best wishes.

Marc Brunet Mar 26, 2015:

As you say, Port City: it may (or it may not); that's why these builders are apparently checking the balance of their in/out cashflows in the course of construction, (presumably, to work out whether they will be able to cover the building costs of the next stage, let alone finish the whole PJ).)

At least I trust we are now agreed on this:
未成 does not directly qualify 'balance'. Assuming it does results in offers along Chris' approach.
For a translation consistent with the (assumed) subtext, this fuzzily condensed Japanese expression is best read as 未完成施工予算割り当て向きの現金在高,IMO. Do you agree, Chris?
(I say 在 not 残, because, the builder's cash inflows may still improve, as in the case of a very large apartment complex construction Pj, mostly financed by down payments on purchased units ready for occupation, or deposits on units still under construction. Sales for those may suddenly change for the better, depending on lower interest policies.)

Port City Mar 25, 2015:

Then cash in hand or cash available for uncompleted construction contracts may do the job.

Marc Brunet Mar 25, 2015:

"Unpaid" balance? Please, think again. What could be the point of calculating the I/O cash balance of this construction project at various stages prior to its completion, if not to monitor whether or not its financing and profitability are going according to plan/expectations, or else call for measures to ensure the availability of the cash flow necessary to complete this Pj and forestall the risk of going into liquidation or excessive debts?
IMHO, this focus on WIP's I/O cash balance, on its cash flow level trend in other words, is the whole point of measuring the PJ 'health' at various WIP stages, if the builder's budget and resources have been planned too tight. Don't agree?