Project Cost Control Specialist

Project Cost Control Specialist

Location: 115 Walgreen Road (Ottawa, Ontario)

Founded in 1953, Thomas Cavanagh Construction has continued to set the standard for quality construction and materials in Eastern Ontario. With our strategically located pits and quarries, our unmatched fleet of trucks and heavy equipment, our state-of-the-art facilities, and our dedicated employees, Thomas Cavanagh Construction has earned a reputation as one of Ottawa’s most trusted and respected contractors.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and systems-driven Project Cost Control Specialist to join our Construction Management team. This role plays a critical function in ensuring financial discipline, consistency, and transparency across all construction projects. While not part of the Finance department, this position works closely with project teams and senior management to lead job cost setup, maintain cost control systems, and support company-wide financial reporting and analysis from an operations lens.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead the review, improvement, and maintenance of the company’s existing project cost code structure, ensuring consistent application and accuracy across all construction projects
  • Collaborate with Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Project Administrators to support job setup, cost tracking, and compliance with internal cost control standards.
  • Monitor cost data for accuracy, consistency, and integrity across multiple systems.
  • Support project teams in the preparation of monthly cost reports, accrual summaries, and variance flags for internal operations reviews.
  • Support job cost forecasting by coordinating with project teams and flagging key risks or anomalies.
  • Assist with continuous improvement of administrative and financial workflows within the construction team.
  • Act as a subject matter resource for cost system use, data structure, and coding accuracy.
  • Provide reporting and analytical support to senior management for project performance tracking and strategic decision-making.
  • Support team members as it relates to cost control tools and procedures.

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in cost control, project accounting, or project administration within a construction or engineering environment.
  • Strong knowledge of job costing principles, cost code structuring, and operational reporting.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Vista), SharePoint, and construction software.
  • Proven experience in cost control, job cost analysis, or project support in a construction setting.
  • Strong technical capabilities with data analysis, reporting, and system workflows.
  • Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Self-starter with the ability to lead internal processes and support multiple project teams.

Cavanagh Employee Benefits:

  • Family oriented work environment
  • Attractive, competitive compensation for qualified candidates
  • Internal growth opportunities
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Benefit, Wellness and Pension Plans

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.