Project Accounting Team Lead

WSP; Montreal; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Project Accounting Team Lead to enhance the financial performance of projects within their Earth & Environment Finance Team. This role involves leading a team, overseeing project setups, and conducting financial analyses to ensure project profitability. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in project accounting, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for process improvement. Join a forward-thinking organization where your expertise will drive financial success and contribute to impactful environmental projects. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of project accounting experience, preferably in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting principles and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of project accountants, ensuring effective communication and support.
• Oversee project set-ups, analyze margins, and monitor project costs.

Skills

Project Accounting

Leadership

Financial Analysis

Cost Control

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA designation or equivalent certification

Tools

Project Accounting Software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Accounting Team Lead to join our Earth & Environment Finance Team to support our Quebec Operations. As the Project Accounting Team Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the financial success of our projects by overseeing project set-ups, monitoring margins, analyzing monthly financials, training the team, and reviewing the project portfolio. Your expertise in project accounting, strong leadership abilities, and attention to detail will be instrumental in driving the financial performance of our projects. This position reports directly to the Controller, Earth & Environment Canada.

What you can expect to do here:

Supervision and Team Leadership:

• Lead and supervise a team of project accountants, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination within the team to achieve project accounting goals and objectives.
• Conduct regular team meetings, set performance expectations, and foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Conduct annual performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for professional development.

Project Set-ups and Margin Analysis:

• Oversee the project set-up process, ensuring accurate and timely recording of project information in the accounting system.
• Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to understand project scope, budget, and financial requirements.
• Analyze project margins, track cost variances, and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Develop and implement processes to monitor and control project costs throughout their lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies.

Monthly Financial Analysis:

• Review and analyze monthly financial statements for individual projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles. Evaluate financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Investigate any discrepancies or anomalies in project financials and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations, highlighting key findings and recommendations for project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure timely and accurate consolidation of project financials into the company's overall financial statements.

Training and Portfolio Review:

• Provide training and guidance to the project accounting team on project accounting processes, systems, tools, and best practices.
• Conduct periodic reviews of the team's project portfolio, identify trends and patterns in project financials, and share insights and recommendations with the team and senior management.

Process Improvement and Compliance:

• Continuously evaluate and improve project accounting processes, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify and implement best practices in project accounting and financial management.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A CPA designation or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Proven experience (5-7 Years) in project accounting, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of project accounting principles, cost control, and financial analysis.
• Proficient in using project accounting software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Solid understanding of financial controls and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change based on the needs of the organization.