Project Controls - Cost Specialist

Bird Construction•Edmonton, AB

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

In support of upcoming projects, Bird Construction is reaching out to market to identify candidates interested in the Project Controls - Cost Specialist position. Potential start date of May/June 2026. Reporting to the Project Controls Manager, the Cost 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. This successful candidate must be open to working in fast paced, challenging project environments where remote and shift work with irregular hours will be required.

Requirements

3-8 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Certified cost professional through AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) or working towards certification, or supporting diploma or degree, or combination of education and related experience is an asset.
Experience with InEight Software is an asset.
Exposure to advanced reporting and visualization tools like Power BI.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in cost analysis and forecasting.

Responsibilities

Set up and manage cost control structures, including Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS).
Responsible for monitoring cost parameters established for the job that aligns with the cost deliverables by Client.
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.
Assist and coordinates with Project Controls Coordinators on daily LEM preparation and verifications.
Support the preparation of monthly invoices, cost accruals, and forecasting efforts.
Collaborate with project team to manage change control processes and validate budget adjustments.
Analyze material purchase orders and subcontract costs, ensuring alignment with budget allocations.
Assists Project Controls Manager on all other deliverables.
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.