Project Accountant

Modern Niagara • Ottawa, ON

5d • CA$59,000 - CA$70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Modern Niagara is currently hiring for a Project Accountant to oversee and manage a large hospital build project in Ottawa. The mission of the Project Accountant is to co-ordinate and oversee all daily accounting processes for the assigned project, to ensure they are carried out efficiently, effectively and within established timelines. This will be an on-site role dealing directly with the Operations team daily, with an indirect reporting to Finance structure.

The Project Accountant is essential to ensuring the financial health, accuracy, and operational success of construction projects, where margins are tight and financial decisions must be based on timely, reliable data. By forecasting future costs, validating project assumptions, analyzing variances, and identifying financial risks, this role provides the organization with the clarity needed to make strategic decisions and prevent financial surprises. Their work strengthens project controls, enhances audit readiness, supports compliance with contract and accounting standards, and ensures leadership has accurate, actionable insights every month. As a trusted advisor to project managers and senior management, the Project Accountant helps bridge the gap between field operations and financial strategy, ultimately contributing to profitable project delivery and long‑term organizational success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or relevant certifications are a plus).
• Experience in construction project accounting is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting software and MS Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of construction industry regulations and contract terms.
• Ability to skillfully challenge assumptions and ask the hard questions
• Organized self-starter with a strong work ethic who can succeed both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Able to be flexible and manage multiple objectives, likely with competing priorities.
• Ability to build strong relationships with and serve as a trusted advisor to our internal business partners including Project Managers (PM) and the Management team.
• Ability and willingness to lead people - People leadership and management experience will be a definite asset.
• Team player with strong communication skills
• Integrity
• Resourceful, energetic, and strong work ethic
• Ability to meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally and personally.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or relevant certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers to develop project spend plans.
• Provide support to Operations by analyzing monthly results, monitoring variances, identifying trends, and recommending actions to the management team.
• Work with the project team to ensure regular project reviews and that planned costs to complete and forecast at completion are validated and updated and that all financial issues relating to revenues, forecast, and profitability are addressed monthly.
• Challenges the financial and commercial health of projects during regular project reviews with operations.
• Identify opportunities to provide value to the Project and Leadership teams through a deep understanding of the project and business requirements.
• Assess the financial risks and opportunity of projects and participate in updating the risk list. Recommend corrective actions to mitigate potential risk.
• Ad hoc analysis as required including labour and material forecasting.
• Maintain detailed records of project costs, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor expenses.
• Review and verify invoices, purchase orders, and receipts for accuracy.
• Analyze cost data to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with project managers to identify financial risks and ensure proactive management of those risks.
• Track and report on key financial performance indicators (KPIs).
• Generate financial reports, including profit and loss statements, cash flow analysis, and project financial summaries.
• Provide regular financial updates to project managers and senior management.
• Support quarterly reporting and year-end audit, including preparation of year-end files, certain working papers, analysis, and other support as required.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records and documentation.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly documented and filed.
• Ensure that financial transactions and documentation comply with contract terms and legal requirements.
• Work with legal and compliance teams to address any contractual issues or disputes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational financial policies and accounting standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and other stakeholders to ensure financial data is accurate and up-to-date.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making processes.
• Assist in the preparation of financial documentation for project audits.

Benefits

• Performance based bonus opportunities
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with a generous employer contribution
• Flexible Health and Dental benefits with tiered options to meet the needs of you and your family
• An annual health spending account to support your overall wellness
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program with access to comprehensive resources and professional services
• A competitive vacation package with additional vacation granted throughout your tenure with the organization.
• Employer Paid Parental Leave Top Up
• Annual Community Day dedicated to volunteering and giving back to the communities where we live and work
• Corporate Discounts through various vendors across Canada for programs such as fitness, mobile phones, travel, home and auto insurance and many others

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level