The RoleAs a Senior Project Cost Specialist, you own the financial picture for assigned projects. You set the cost control approach, maintain the integrity of the cost tracker and forecasts, and advise project managers on the commercial implications of design changes, contractor positions and funding decisions. Project leaders rely on your analysis to explain options and trade-offs clearly, and to act early when costs or funding begin to drift. You also strengthen the cost function itself by refining processes, developing the people who support it and bringing consistency to how cost information is captured and reported.
What You'll Do - Cost strategy and control: Establish and oversee the cost control framework for assigned projects, including the cost tracker, commitment management, budget baselines and change control. Reconcile accounting records, purchase orders, contractor reports and third-party cost reports, and resolve material discrepancies. Assess variances, cost classifications, contingency adequacy and emerging funding pressures, and recommend corrective action to the project manager.
- Forecasting and cash flow: Lead the preparation of monthly forecasts, cash flow projections and annual expenditure outlooks. Challenge contractor and consultant inputs, test the assumptions behind them and reconcile them against funding requirements. Present forecasts, risks and scenarios to project leadership and stakeholders, with recommendations on how to manage them.
- Commercial analysis and advisory: Analyze change orders, contract amendments, contractor fee positions, holdbacks and other commercial risks, and advise project managers on their financial and contractual implications. Prepare written recommendations that set out the options, the risks and the preferred course of action, and support negotiations where cost positions are contested.
- Financial and executive reporting: Oversee the monthly financial reporting package, review it for accuracy and completeness, and approve it for submission. Maintain executive financial summaries and dashboards, and explain variances and cost allocations across reporting sources so leaders can make informed decisions.
- Procurement and funding oversight: Review purchase requisitions, purchase orders, amendments and approval packages for consistency with the approved budget and contract. Lead the cost breakdowns and funding alignment for complex development and construction contracts. Oversee funding draws, reimbursements, letters of credit and the allocation of costs across funding categories, and ensure documentation is complete before submission.
- Process improvement and team support: Review invoice approvals, payment exceptions and billing disputes, and resolve escalated issues with Procurement, Finance and contractors. Identify opportunities to improve tracking tools, reporting templates and shared documentation. Provide guidance and review work for junior cost staff, and contribute to the mentorship program.
What You'll Bring - One relevant professional designation is required, such as CPA, CMA or PMP, or an additional degree or diploma.
- 10 to 15 years of experience in project cost control, project accounting or financial analysis supporting construction, real estate or large capital projects.
- Strong accounting fundamentals, with proven experience in reconciliations, budget modelling, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to design and maintain complex models and tracking tools.
- Solid understanding of ERP or accounting systems, purchase requisition, purchase order and goods receipt processes, invoice approval workflows and financial controls.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze construction contracts, change orders, payment applications and contractor fee positions, and to advise on their commercial implications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex financial positions and recommendations clearly to project managers, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Strong judgement and independence in managing competing priorities, escalating appropriately, and making sound decisions on routine and moderately complex matters.
- Assets include Power BI experience, government funding or capital accounting experience, and experience mentoring or developing finance and project cost staff.
- Eligibility to obtain security clearance. Existing security clearance is an asset.
What We Offer: - This posting reflects a current, active vacancy.
- This is a full-time permanent position, with compensation expected to be $95,000-$120,000 per annum.This range represents the breadth of experience and expectations for the role. Final compensation will be determined based on an individual's skills, experience, and demonstrated impact, with progression within the range aligned to performance and contribution over time.
- A comprehensive health and benefits plan and Tiree's Wellness Program
- RRSP matching with DPSP contributions.
- Wellness Day - one paid day per year, dedicated to family, work-life balance, and personal well-being.
- Volunteer Day - up to 8 paid hours per year to volunteer with a registered charity.
- Maternity Leave Top-Up
- Access to expert mentorship and training and development programs
