Project Accounting Lead

About the role

Your Opportunity
Take the first step towards designing your career. We have an exciting opportunity for you as a Project Accounting Lead (PAL).

Responsibilities

• 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. (25-50% of time)
• Evaluate project setup and budget change documentation, including client contract and information provided by the PM or PMA to ensure 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 a quality of 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.
• Maintain regular contact with direct reports individually and through team meetings to ensure engagement and to boost team morale.
• Ensure team’s compliance with the Project Accounting and Revenue (PAR) controls through the prescribed monitoring and review processes, escalating any concerns to the RPAM or NPAM.
• 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.

Skills

• Project Accounting Knowledge
• Leadership Skills
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Attention to Detail
• Organizational Skills
• Relationship Building
• Adaptability
• Financial Impact Identification
• Excel Proficiency
• IFRS 15 and Sarbanes Oxley Understanding
• General Contracting Knowledge

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness Program
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Emergency Travel Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Membership Fee Coverage
• Paid Family Leave