Project Accounting Lead

About the role

The Project Accounting Lead (PAL) role at Stantec is responsible for the effective management and leadership of a team of Project Accountants (PA). Reporting to the Regional Project Accounting Manager (RPAM), the PAL oversees the team, ensures compliance with internal and external controls, and promotes a customer-centric focus.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the effective management and leadership of a team of Project Accountants (PA).
• Financial management of a portfolio of active, complex projects through the project life cycle, partnering with Project Managers (PM) to ensure accurate project setup, maintenance, invoicing, and project closure.
• Evaluate project setup and budget change documentation, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, internal Stantec controls, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Drive excellent customer service and promote a customer-centric focus within the team to provide quality work that consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
• Manage resources and team workloads through effective evaluation and planning, keeping RPAMs updated on any issues/concerns.
• Recruit and select new talent, manage initial training for new PAs with continued ongoing training and support as needed.
• Provide training for all team members on any new or changing processes, controls, policies.
• Implement and maintain a communication platform to ensure team stays fully informed.
• Maintain regular contact with direct reports individually and through team meetings to ensure engagement and to boost team morale.
• Build strong relationships with and serve as a trusted advisor to our internal business partners including Business Center Operating Leaders (BCOL), Project Independent Reviewers (PIR), PMs, Project Manager Assistants (PMA), Finance Managers (FM), Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to ensure collaborative teamwork.
• Partner with RPAMs and FMs in supporting BCOLs and PIRs on revenue recognition and other project matters.
• Collaborate with FMs in the project revenue adjustments (PRA) process in compliance with Stantec’s revenue recognition policy as well as other ad hoc analytical duties as assigned.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and escalate to PA leadership. Lead and train the team in implementation of any new management initiatives.
• Achieve utilization goals related to the project accounting team in Pune, India.
• Lead project accounting peer review team meetings designed to test PAR controls as a subject matter expert, providing accurate guidance to the assigned team to ensure complete and compliant reviews.
• Facilitate the project accounting self-audit process to ensure timely and accurate results.
• Monitor team to ensure the custom rates and maintenance (CRAM) process is complete and rate tables and billing terms are updated in a timely manner.
• Ensure all assigned functions are carried out in compliance with approved policies, key controls, and standard practices.

Qualifications

• Advanced level project accounting knowledge obtained through experience and/or education.
• Strong leadership skills required; previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to build and foster excellent working relationships.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace change.
• Able to identify potential implications of actions to mitigate downstream financial impacts.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Comprehensive understanding of IFRS 15 and Sarbanes Oxley concepts.
• Knowledge of general contracting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Wellness program.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending account.
• 401(k) plan.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Short-term/long-term disability plans.
• Emergency travel benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional membership fee coverage.
• Paid family leave.