Junior Project Controller
Valard Group of Companies, Canada

Valard Construction LP is one of Canada’s largest powerline contractors, serving clients in both public amp; private sectors. We offer construction services in overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems, substations, fiber optics, as well as substation and transmission foundations.

Valard Construction LP is looking to fill the position of a Junior Project Controller. This position is based out of our Edmonton office, the Project Accountant will work closely supporting the Finance, Operations, and Executive teams on major projects across Valard. The Junior Project Controller will assist and eventually lead the operational finance function on major project(s) as designated. Valard has an extensive backlog of upcoming high profile upcoming major projects. You will be a key member of the team that successfully executes this challenging and extensive backlog. This is a high-profile position with opportunity for future growth where leadership at Valard will rely on this individual for accurate and timely project accounting and reporting for the duration of the project(s).

Requirements

KEY (CORE) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor project accounting systems to ensure proper reporting, security and control.
• Prepare month end entries into accounting system including accruals, progress claims, cost moves, coding analysis.
• Oversee and identify project variances and report to management recommended actions, i.e.: margin adjustments, change order requests, claims development.
• Maintain current and forecasted cash flow data compared to how the project was bid.
• Coordinate the preparation of all customer invoices per contract requirements and develop a good working relationship with your customer counterpart so you can ensure payments are made timely.
• Maintain change order and claims log and follow up regularly on the status.
• Prepare a detailed project forecast based on the WBS using a crew based approach in alignment with an earned value/CPI based approach.
• Prepare a monthly reporting package which details key financial KPI's, risks and opportunities to the current forecast, cash flow projections, etc.
• Support Project Controller/Project Director/Project manager in project financial management and divisional reporting.
• Liaison with insurance to make sure all project insurance is in place.
• Manage with treasury if applicable that all parent guarantees, performance bonds and L/C's are in place when required and cancelled or reduced as the project progresses and/or finishes.
• Special Adhoc projects as required.

First year success

Continued development and implementation of accounting controls policies and processes. Build a plan to ensure world class mega-project accounting principles are in place.

Leadership competencies

• Achiever: Gets things done by setting clear expectations, promoting high levels of accountability, monitoring performance, and getting directly involved when needed to achieve desired business results; uses business and financial acumen to create value and drive profitability.

• Evaluator: Makes timely decisions and applies sound judgment to assess risks, evaluate alternatives and select the best course of action; uses a combination of analytical thinking, and experience to address complex or ambiguous issues.

• Relater: Purposefully builds positive working relationships internally at all levels as well as alliances and partnerships externally by fostering trust, collaboration and teamwork; demonstrates sensitivity and openness to others' views; uses EQ to adapt interpersonal style to relate well to others.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline (Finance or Accounting) preferred. Relevant experience will also be considered.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Construction Management may be considered.
• Minimum 3-5+ years of direct experience project accounting for construction/EPC projects.
• Proven large project construction/EPC financial management experience including budgeting, forecasting, change management, reporting amp; analysis, cash flow development, revenue recognition and detailed WIP analysis
• Project accounting experience including percentage of completion accounting.
• Experience with tracking labour productivity and commodity reporting.
• Experience in tracking daily and weekly physical progress and earned value calculations. Strong Microsoft Office skills particularly Excel as well as an aptitude for learning other specialized financial/project software packages.

KSA’S (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES, and PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES):

Job Rewards and Benefits