The Finance Manager will be based in Ottawa and fully embedded within the Project Delivery team, acting as a key business partner to project leadership. This role is responsible for ensuring strong financial control, visibility, and performance across assigned projects.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Planning & Cost Control- Ensure projects remain within approved financial targets
- Develop and maintain project budgets (baseline and revisions)
- Monitor actual costs vs. budget, including variance analysis
- Track commitments (subcontracts, purchase orders) against approved budgets
Forecasting & Financial Visibility- Provide forward-looking financial insights and early warning indicators
- Prepare monthly Cost-to-Complete (CTC) and Estimate at Completion (EAC)
- Update project margin forecasts
- Identify risks and opportunities impacting profitability
- Support scenario analysis (best case, downside, stress scenarios)
Cash Flow & Liquidity Management- Prepare and continuously update project cash flow forecasts
- Monitor client billing, cash collections, and supplier/subcontractor payments
- Optimize working capital, including receivables (DSO) and payables (DPO)
Financial Reporting & Compliance- Ensure accurate reflection of project performance in financial statements
- Apply revenue recognition methodology (percentage of completion - POC)
- Validate earned value and progress measurement with operations teams
- Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP standards and internal policies
Margin Protection & Commercial Support- Analyze financial aspects of contracts (pricing, escalation, penalties)
- Track and value variations, change orders, claims, and backcharges
- Support the commercial team in negotiations
- Ensure all changes are reflected in budgets, forecasts, and revenue recognition
Risk Management- Identify financial risks, including cost overruns, delays, and market fluctuations
- Quantify and track risk provisions
- Maintain risk registers with probability and financial impact assessments
- Support development and execution of mitigation strategies
Reporting & Stakeholder Communication- Produce monthly project financial reports, including cost vs. budget, EAC, margin analysis, and cash flow
- Participate in project review meetings and executive/board reporting
- Maintain strong audit trails and high-quality documentation
Pre-Commitment Financial Controls- Validate financial aspects of subcontracts and purchase orders prior to commitment
- Ensure alignment with budgets and forecasts
- Track committed vs. incurred costs
Systems & Data Integrity- Ensure accurate and effective use of ERP systems (Microsoft D365) for cost tracking, revenue recognition, and commitments
- Maintain data integrity and coding structures
Business Partnership- Act as a trusted advisor to the Project Director and operational teams
- Challenge assumptions related to productivity, schedule, and costs
- Support key decision-making (e.g., make-or-buy, acceleration strategies, claims approach)
Team Leadership- Lead and mentor cost accountants and related support roles
Qualifications & Experience- Recognized accounting designation or degree in Finance or a related field
- 8-10 years of progressive experience in financial management within large-scale construction projects
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop actionable solutions
- Solid understanding of financial reporting, audit processes, and quality assurance practices
- Proven ability to assess complex financial data, identify risks, and recommend mitigation strategies
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive adherence to financial controls across stakeholders
- Experience with governance frameworks, risk management, and financial controls in project environments
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey financial concepts clearly and concisely
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a track record of building collaborative relationships across operational and support teams
