Project Accountant - Divisional Accounting

Valard Construction LP is one of Canada’s largest powerline contractors, serving clients in both public & 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 Project Accountant.  Reporting to the Director, Divisional Accounting and based out of our Edmonton office, the Project Accountant will work closely with the Project Managers in maintaining project controls and performing project analytics and assisting in the month end processes of the company. 

1.     Job set up and close out

• Participate in creation of the Day One Budget based upon tender documentation.
• Meet with all stakeholders to review and finalize project budget.
• Setup of Job Master, Cost Codes and budgets in JD Edwards.
• Maintain job master data integrity between JDE and Quanta’s consolidation tool.
• Support the budget change management process including entering budget revisions for both cost and revenue.  Work with the project managers and legal team for analysis of unapproved change in order to correctly record and report cost and revenue.
• Perform job close out analysis and tasks.

2.     Project Cost Management

• Provide support to the field staff for proper coding of third party to projects using purchase orders.
• Organize and facilitate mid-month PO review meetings with project managers, buyers and receivers in order to maintain accurate open commitments.
• Prepare mid-month report packages and review with project management team.

3.     Month and year end procedures

• Organize and facilitate month end cost accrual meetings with the PM, buyer and receivers in order to gather and enter cost accrual information.
• For Percentage of Completion jobs:

o    Organize and facilitate the monthly forecast meeting with the PM, operations director, regional VP and project controls.  Determine the estimated revenue, cost and margin at completion.

o    Provide executive summary of variance analysis for current forecast to budget, current forecast to prior forecast, anticipated margin (margin with unapproved change) and billed margin to estimated margin.  Organize and facilitate second level reviews of the forecast with C-Level executive when required.

o    Load approved revenue and estimate at completion data into JDE for profit recognition entries.

• For Non-Percentage of Completion jobs:

o    Provide cost and revenue by work order reports to the project management team.

o    Work with the project management team to identify unbilled units at the end of the month in order to calculate unbilled revenue

o    Where possible margin by cost type analysis in order to determine if all billable costs have been recovered

• Prepare margin analysis comments for monthly vs job to date results
• Validation of job data to trial balance (i.e. direct vs indirect and correct balance sheet classifications)
• Support consolidated reporting up to Quanta for monthly rolling forecast, variance analysis, etc.
• Balance sheet reconciliations including:

o    Unbilled revenue reconciliation and analysis including breakdown of unbilled revenue into late, claim, timing, etc.

o    Accrued liabilities reconciliation and analysis

o    Received not Vouchered analysis and cleanup

4.     Audit Preparation and Support

• Respond to field directed accounting questions
• Compile information for internal and external auditors as required
• Audit supplier invoices back to contract and bid documentation

5.     Preparation and administration of client billings including all applicable backup per contract terms and conditions, including but not limited to

• Verify that all charges billed to the client can be backed up with the original input documents
• When necessary pull any required invoice backup in order to issue invoice timely
• Review any unbilled issues
• Review A/R on assigned projects and follow-up for collections where necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• The ideal candidate will be working towards or possess an accounting designation. Equivalent work related experience will be considered.
• General Accounting experience is required
• Experience with JD Edwards or SAP is preferred
• Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency 
• Advanced experience with Job Costing Management, Project Analytics, and WIP Reporting
• Experience with Job Structure Set-up, Project Forecasting and Budgeting
• Strong understanding of Construction Revenue Recognition principles
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are essential
• Must have a proactive personality 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Candidate must have a college diploma or an undergraduate degree in Accounting.
• CPA, CA, or CGA designation is preferred.
• Candidate should have 5–7 years of experience in the finance and accounting department

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including an RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing. 

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere.  We are also part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.valard.com and connect with us on our social media channels for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.

* Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level.

* Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

* Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.  Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process.