Project Controls Specialist - Cost

Bird Construction; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking construction firm as a Project Controls Specialist, where you will play a vital role in managing project costs and ensuring financial accuracy. In this dynamic position, you'll implement cost control systems, monitor budgets, and collaborate with diverse teams to drive project success. With a commitment to safety and integrity, this company fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, empowering you to unlock your potential and redefine your career path. If you're ready to take on challenges in a fast-paced environment and make a meaningful impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of experience in cost control or project controls required.
• Proficiency in cost control tools and advanced Excel skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain cost control systems for projects.
• Monitor project budgets and track expenditures effectively.
• Prepare financial reports and support change control processes.

Skills

Cost Control

Project Controls

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Flexibility and Mobility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Bachelor’s degree in business

Related field degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Cost Control Software

Power BI

Job description

Project Controls Specialist - Cost

Where Greatness Grows

The greatest achievements in history are borne from the greatness within people – where human potential meets vision, and passion fuels evolution. Unlocking this potential is the most important thing we do at Bird.

As a leader in Canadian construction for over 100 years, the impact of our team is etched deeply within the core of our legacy. Beyond Bird, this impact is felt in the fundamental aspects of our everyday lives. From the critical infrastructure we depend on, to the energy and resources that keep us moving - we are powering our communities and shaping Canada’s skylines coast-to-coast. Entrenched in the foundation of a culture built more than a century ago is an enduring quest to reimagine what is possible. Our impact is greater than ever, and we are looking for those who seek to redefine their story.

We are a dynamic team of over 5,000 with a range of professions, backgrounds, and areas of expertise. This breadth of diversity in people and opportunities is one of greatest aspects of building your career with Bird. Every trajectory looks different. At Bird, you hold the pen, and you write your story. As you unlock your potential, you are surrounded by a team that supports you every step of the way.

Be a part of our team, where we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the way we treat each other and our partners. You will build a career and long-lasting relationships based on respect, collaboration, and a solution-focused mindset. Bird is a place where you will unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Project Controls, the Project Controls Specialist provides comprehensive cost management services for assigned projects. The role focuses on setting up and maintaining cost control systems, monitoring project expenditures, and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. Collaboration with project teams, finance, and other stakeholders is essential to drive effective decision-making and achieve project success. Additional areas may include schedule, risk, lessons learned and change management.

The successful candidate must be open to working in fast paced, challenging project environments where remote and shift work with irregular hours will be required.

What You Will Be Working On

• Implement and maintain the company’s project controls program and procedures.
• Set up and manage cost control structures, including Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS).
• Monitor project cost and revenue budgets and track expenditures.
• Perform data integrity audits on cost coding, committed costs, and actual costs.
• Contribute to cost trend analysis and identify corrective actions for variances.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports, including Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics such as CPI and SPI.
• Support the preparation of monthly invoices, cost accruals, and forecasting efforts (e.g., cash flow, cost to complete).
• Collaborate with project teams to manage change control processes and validate budget adjustments.
• Provide cost input for estimating, tendering, and procurement activities.
• Analyze material purchase orders and subcontract costs, ensuring alignment with budget allocations.
• Train and mentor junior team members on cost control processes and tools.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including field teams, clients, and vendors, to ensure alignment on cost expectations and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with financial procedures and company standards.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• 3-6 years of relevant experience in cost control, project controls, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in cost control tools and software.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and advanced formulas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in cost analysis and forecasting.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Excellent communication skills for report preparation and stakeholder engagement.
• Comfortable working in site-based environments and interacting with field teams and clients.
• Willingness to work irregular hours as needed to meet project deadlines.
• Flexibility and mobility to work across various project locations.
• Certified cost professional through AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) or working towards certification is an asset.
• Experience in a contracting environment with diverse project types.
• Knowledge of risk management and contingency planning.
• Exposure to Power BI or similar data visualization tools.

We Put Safety First

A healthy and safe work environment is non-negotiable. We build a culture of operational and psychological safety through engagement, learning and leadership.

We Lead With Honesty

We speak and act with integrity, clarity and care so people can trust our word and our work. Being honest means we can deliver the best outcomes and consistent results.

We Are Stronger Together

Success is a team effort. Our inclusive workplace enables our combined expertise, humility and creativity to unlock our greater potential.

We Are Driven To Do Great Work

We built our name on quality. We have a passion for excellence in our work and relationships that honours our businesses and our industry.

We Create Opportunity

Rooted in a solid foundation, we adapt and grow to face the future. We are committed to elevating each other to chart the best path forward in an evolving world.

Bird is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). This is a core part of our culture and guides our actions and strategic priorities. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and share their unique perspectives and talents. Our ongoing commitments focus on addressing inequities and promoting a better understanding of diversity to build an inclusive and fair culture. We recognize that diverse teams are more knowledgeable, perform better, and achieve greater success. As such, we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and creating opportunities for all employees to grow and succeed.