Project Cost Analyst – Construction

Location:
Edmonton, Alberta

Match Box Consulting Group is partnering with a major Canadian construction organization to recruit a Cost Analyst for its Edmonton team.

This is not a traditional accounting role focused solely on recording what has already happened. You will dig into live construction projects, analyze where money is being made or lost, identify financial risks, and help project leaders make better commercial decisions.

Your work will answer the questions that matter:

• Are projects performing as forecast?

• Where are costs beginning to move?

• What risks could affect profitability?

• Where can the business save money?

• How can project teams improve financial outcomes?

You will prepare cost-benefit analyses, audit project forecasts, investigate variances and present your findings to project and senior leadership. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting financial data with real-world operations and wants their analysis to influence decisions.

Our client is a purpose-driven construction organization delivering major institutional, commercial and industrial projects across Western and Northern Canada. The company combines the close-knit culture and autonomy of a regional builder with the resources, systems and career opportunities of a global construction leader.

Reporting to the Senior Cost Analyst, you will work closely with project managers, engineers, accounting teams and senior operational leaders. You will also spend time visiting active construction sites, giving you direct exposure to how projects are built and how financial decisions affect performance.

• Analyze project costs, forecasts, commitments and financial performance.

• Identify financial risks and assess project teams’ plans to mitigate them.

• Prepare Budget Analysis Reports, Cost-Audited Budget Analysis Reports and special financial studies.

• Audit project budgets to ensure costs are accurate and properly recorded.

• Review general conditions, staffing, labour, insurance and tax projections.

• Analyze holds, uncommitted costs, project exposures, claims and recoveries.

• Prepare clear financial interpretations and recommendations for project leadership.

• Present findings during operational reviews with senior management.

• Monitor project cash positions, revenue forecasts and payment applications.

• Partner with accounting and field teams to resolve discrepancies and improve reporting.

• Review contracts and project documentation to understand commercial risks and potential earnings impacts.

• Establish cost structures and reporting frameworks during project setup.

• Validate final project revenue and reconcile financial results during closeout.

• Support and develop project staff and junior cost analysts.

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.

• Approximately three or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong financial analysis skills and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• Experience analyzing budgets, forecasts, project costs or operational performance.

• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.

• The ability to turn complex financial information into clear business recommendations.

• Confidence communicating with project teams, accounting professionals and senior leaders.

• Sound judgment and the ability to identify problems and recommend practical solutions.

• A collaborative, adaptable and self-directed approach.

Experience with construction, project accounting, SAP or project cost-control systems would be an asset. Candidates from construction, engineering, infrastructure, industrial services or other project-based environments are encouraged to apply.

You will not be sitting on the sidelines producing reports that disappear into a spreadsheet.

You will be close to the work, trusted to challenge forecasts, and expected to help project teams protect margins and improve results. The role offers exposure to major construction projects, regular interaction with operational leadership and a clear opportunity to build a career at the intersection of…