Cost Accountant - Operational Finance

At Clark Builders, we’re more than a construction company — we’re purpose driven partners committed to building stronger communities. Serving institutional, commercial, and industrial clients across Western and Northern Canada since 1974, we bring a relationship-based approach, deep expertise, and a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability to everything we do. As part of the Turner Construction family, we offer the personalized culture of a local team with the strength of a global leader. Learn more about our Purpose and what drives us by visiting our Who We Are page.

As a Cost Accountant on our Operational Finance team, you'll be a key financial partner for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Expansion project. You will deliver comprehensive financial administration, perform crucial accounting and cost analysis, and provide strategic fiscal management and cost guidance to ensure the success of this major project.

Reporting to: Accounting Manager – Operational Finance

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial analytical support that drives strategic outcomes for assigned projects (project size may vary and may have multiple project assignments) and implement financial procedures, including complex contract types and joint ventures.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all general contract documents and relationship of job estimate to contract documents.
• Laise with and provide guidance to project Operations and Finance teams to maximize accounting support including establishing structures for Project Financial launch during project setup, manage invoice processing (as appropriate) and aligned with proper sales and tax reporting requirements, and oversee month-end close processes and/or post or accrue client bills and project costs as appropriate.
• Establish proper Cost Code structure for allocation of costs, work with Project Team and Finance during project set up.
• Understand client contractual requirements, monitor billing and accounts receivables as appropriate, and address or escalate issues.
• Partner with Operations team to review project budgets accurately and properly reflects risk and potential enhancements in line with owner contract and Clark policies and procedures
• Communicate and escalate project risks to project senior leadership and supervisors.
• Monitor and understand project cash position, assess project financial risks, and work with project senior leadership and team to implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance profitability.
• Work with project team on compilation and analysis of project forecast projections to confirm accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Prepare financial analyses, informational reports, and special analysis to validate financial outcomes of assigned projects.
• Accumulate, audit, and correlate information to produce required cost reports and prepare interpretive analysis where required as requested by finance and other leadership.
• Audit project forecast for General Conditions, General Requirements, staff and labor projections to accurately forecast costs, including insurance and taxes
• Support project financial closeout to secure final contract amounts and meet closeout documentation requirements.
• Participate and support internal and external audit requests.
• Attend and participate in on-site meetings, Operations Review Meetings (ORMs), budget reviews, and forecasting sessions.
• Provide oversight of work and mentor junior accounting staff to develop skills and learn cost processes as applicable.
• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited degree program in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field of study, and minimum of 3 years of related experience, with at least 1 year as a project account, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Thorough application of accounting principles (GAAP) and company policies
• Professional written and verbal communication skills with ability to deliver and tailor communication to various organizational levels
• Ability to educate others to identify risks and reinforce compliance with company financial practices and policies
• Analytic ability to review and assess financial data, interpret trends, and recognize inconsistencies
• Knowledgeable of cash flow and able to implement procedures to optimize profitability
• Exercises independent judgment and discretion with ability to identify problems and initiate corrective action 
• Ability to manage competing activities, requests, and short-cycle deadlines
• Apply innovation to offer and implement suggestions to improve overall operations
• High degree of organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and flexible to operate with minimal direction in a complex and changing environment
• Proficient with financial system applications (e.g., SAP, Textura) and Microsoft Office suite of applications with advanced MS Excel skills
• Travel may be required
  
  
  

What's in it for you?

• Competitive compensation and paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick days
• "Summer Fridays" during July and August; all sites and offices closed early; pending operational needs
• Performance reviews, annual salary reviews and bonus incentives
• Comprehensive health and benefit plan available from the first day of employment provided by Manulife. 100% reimbursement up to $750 per year on the Core Plan, and $1000 per year on the Enhanced Plan, for each paramedical practitioner
• Employer RRSP matching up to 4% annually
• Flexible Spending Account 100% funded by Clark Builders with an annual allocation amount of $500 which employees can allocate into Health Spending, Lifestyle Spending, or both
• Access to Greenshield+ a virtual mental health platform with sessions offered at a discounted rate
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) with 24/7 short term counselling services and wellness services, accessible through GreenShield Health
• Employee Referral Program: earn up to $2000 cash bonus if the candidate you refer completes their 90-day probationary period
• The C LARK STARS Employee Recognition Program is an assortment of rewards designed to highlight and celebrate our people's talent, efforts, and contributions to living Our Purpose
• Community engagement initiatives through our 'Give Back' program, encompassing donation matching, corporate giving, and employee volunteer support
• Professional Development program: Clark Builders will pay 50% of approved training at enrollment and remaining balance after completion
• On-demand courses for Professional Development available on our Clark Builders University and Turner University platforms
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, including Women's, Gender Diversity Inclusivity, and Indigenous ERGs
• Opportunity to connect with colleagues at company events like BBQs, site lunches, golf tournaments, family ski night and holiday parties
• Enjoy discounts at our preferred partners, and through the Perkopolis perk platform
  
  
  

Ready to build your career with us? Apply now and join a team that’s making a real impact.

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