Senior Project Accountant

Bird Construction; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bird Construction is seeking a Senior Project Accountant to join the Ottawa team. You will lead financial management for complex construction projects, ensuring IFRS-compliant reporting, accurate invoicing, cost tracking, and timely close processes.

The role requires strong Excel skills, ERP experience, and the ability to collaborate across project teams to provide clear financial updates. Ottawa office-based position with potential clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent.
• CPA designation or other relevant professional designation is asset.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant project accounting experience.
• Advanced Excel proficiency with complex formulas and dynamic arrays.
• ERP systems experience; Viewpoint Vista, 4CastPlus or InEight is a plus.
• Experience with construction project accounting is an asset.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Hold financial management of construction projects, including cost tracking and revenue recognition.
• Prepare and consolidate IFRS-compliant financial reports.
• Oversee cost management, reconciliation, and control measures.
• Review vendor/consultant invoices for accuracy and cost allocation.
• Resolve billing discrepancies to enable timely payments.
• Monitor cash collections and outstanding payments with reporting.
• Gather project data with teams and provide regular financial updates.
• Conduct cost reviews and resolve variances and discrepancies.
• Support accounts payable for timely invoice processing.
• Audit project P&L reports for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Track project profitability and claims activity to identify risks.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closes with reconciliations.
• Collaborate with project managers and directors for financial insights.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.
• Handle ad hoc financial projects and project closeouts.
• Assist Controller with process improvements.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

University degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

CPA designation asset

Tools

Viewpoint Vista

4CastPlus

InEight

Job description

Senior Project Accountant

Reporting to the Controller, the Senior Project Accountant will be part of a high-performing project team dedicated to delivering complex construction projects. In this role, you will provide project accounting leadership and financial support, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and effective financial management throughout the project lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with project teams, vendors, and clients to support timely and accurate invoicing, cost tracking, reconciliation, and financial reporting.

Please note that this position may require the successful candidate to obtain and maintain a Secret level security clearance. This role will be based out of our Ottawa office.

What You Will Be Working On

• Accountable for the financial management of construction projects, including gross profit, percentage-of-completion forecasting, work in progress (WIP), revenue recognition, and backlog reporting.

• Prepare and consolidate financial reports in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

• Oversee cost management activities, including cost reconciliation, analysis, and control measures.

• Review and validate vendor and consultant invoices for compliance, accuracy, and appropriate cost allocation.

• Resolve billing discrepancies and issues to facilitate timely revisions and payment processing.

• Monitor outstanding payments and cash collections, providing reporting and follow-up as required.

• Collaborate closely with project teams to gather relevant financial information and provide regular updates on project financial status.

• Conduct regular cost reviews and reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies or variances.

• Support accounts payable processes to ensure timely processing of invoices and payments.

• Audit project profit and loss (P& L) reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company reporting policies and accounting standards.

• Monitor project profitability and claims activity to identify risks and opportunities.

• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including reconciliations and financial reporting.

• Collaborate with project managers, directors, and other stakeholders to provide financial insights and support project planning and execution.

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies, including internal controls and external audit requirements.

• Handle ad hoc financial assignments and projects as required.

• Support project closeout processes.

• Respond to requests received from internal and external auditors.

• Help champion strong partnerships and act as a liaison between the district finance team and operational stakeholders.

• Support the Controller with continuous improvement initiatives.

What We Are Looking For

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• CPA designation or other relevant professional designation is considered an asset.

• Minimum 4 years of relevant project accounting experience.

• Advanced Excel proficiency, including experience with complex formulas, XLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH functions, and dynamic arrays.

• Proficiency with ERP systems; experience with Viewpoint Vista, 4CastPlus, or InEight is considered an asset.

• Experience supporting commercial, institutional, or large-scale building construction projects is considered an asset.

• Ability to build, develop, and maintain positive working relationships with multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to obtain secret security clearance is an asset.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet competing deadlines, and perform effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work under tight deadlines and effectively prioritize workload to achieve business objectives.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

For Those Who Seek to Redefine

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-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.

What We Believe In

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.

At Bird, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and believe it is essential to our success. We will continue to listen, learn, and take action in our commitment to building progress in our organization, and the industry as a whole. Cultivating an environment where all employees feel included, seen, and have a sense of belonging is core to Bird’s culture. We commit to proactively employing a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work, fostering an environment of continuous learning, and never compromising on our values.