Overview
The Cost Lead is responsible for leading all cost management and financial control activities across a program or portfolio of projects. This role ensures projects are set up and executed in compliance with Project Controls procedures, while providing accurate cost reporting, forecasting, and strategic insights to support successful project delivery.
Your role
- Ensure projects are established in full compliance with Project Controls processes, procedures, and best practices.
- Oversee the setup, opening, and closing of project cost accounts aligned with project schedules and status.
- Ensure proper progress measurement systems are implemented across all project activities.
- Monitor, control, and report on program and project performance throughout the lifecycle.
- Lead the preparation of timely and accurate monthly cost reports for project control accounts.
- Perform trending analysis of actual costs and forecast data, identifying deviations and risks.
- Provide regular reporting on cost status, variances, commitments, and time/cost accumulation.
- Conduct earned value analysis (EVA), highlighting variances and recommending corrective actions.
- Ensure accurate accruals analysis and cost allocations on a monthly basis.
- Ensure PMET and other reporting systems are current, accurate, and fully supported.
- Develop and maintain forward-looking cost forecasts and cash flow projections.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts for projects and programs.
- Support cost risk analysis and scenario planning with Project Management.
- Support and coordinate the project change management process.
- Identify risks or issues that may impact project objectives and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Provide insights and recommendations to optimize project cost performance.
- Lead or support implementation of project controls systems (e.g., ECOSYS).
- Maintain integration between cost and schedule systems through collaboration with planners.
- Update estimate-to-complete (ETC) based on project progress and schedule updates.
- Act as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for all cost and finance-related matters.
- Interface with Project Managers, planners, and other Project Controls team members.
- Collaborate with Financial Shared Services Centre (FSSC) for invoicing and financial processes.
- Provide input to client reporting and support contract requirements.
- Support government funding applications and financial documentation.
- Lead, mentor, and guide a team of Cost Control professionals and junior staff.
- Present cost performance insights to project teams and stakeholders as required.
- Manage multiple projects or initiatives within a program environment.
- Ensure proper tracking and reporting of commitments (POs and contracts).
- Perform ad hoc analysis, reporting, and special assignments as required.
About you
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of Cost Control experience, including leadership responsibilities.
- Proven experience managing multiple projects or large programs.
- Experience with project control systems (e.g., ECOSYS) is an asset.
- Proven ability to collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong understanding of:
- Project Controls principles and procedures.
- Cost management, forecasting, and earned value techniques.
- Accrual accounting (client/vendor).
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (mandatory); experience with Access and VBA preferred.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication, reporting, and presentation abilities.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career at AtkinsRéalis in Canada.
Enjoy competitive compensation, employee recognition, and a brilliant range of flexible benefits you can tailor to your health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle needs.
Make the most of diverse opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise.
And take advantage of our hybrid working culture and generous time-off policies to balance a fulfilling career with your personal life.
Be rewarded. Find out more.
About AtkinsRéalis
We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's'infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Find out more.
Additional information
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By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRéalis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice.
Appropriate accommodation will be provided upon request throughout the recruitment and hiring process as required by Company policy and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Successful applicants will be notified about AtkinsRéalis' accommodation policies at the time the employment offer is extended, and the information will be shared with new personnel during the onboarding process.
