Finance Manager, Projects

Key Responsibilities

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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)

• 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

• Analyze financial aspects of contracts (pricing, escalation, penalties)
• Track and value variations, change orders, claims, and back charges
• Support the commercial team in negotiations
• Ensure all changes are reflected in budgets, forecasts, and revenue recognition

• 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

• 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

• Validate financial aspects of subcontracts and purchase orders prior to commitment
• Ensure alignment with budgets and forecasts
• Track committed vs. incurred costs

• Ensure accurate and effective use of ERP systems (Microsoft D365) for cost tracking, revenue recognition, and commitments
• Maintain data integrity and coding structures

• 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)

• Lead and mentor cost accountants and related support roles

• 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