Finance Project Manager

Location:
Montreal & Saint-Bruno, QuebecWork Arrangement:
Primarily Onsite - Regular presence at both locations requiredEmployment Type:
Full-TimeIndustry:
Transportation | Engineering | InfrastructureAbout the Opportunity
We are currently seeking an experienced
Finance Project Manager
to join a globally recognized organization supporting one of Canada's most significant transportation infrastructure projects.This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large-scale, long-term rail development program, working alongside engineering, operations, project management, and commercial teams to drive financial performance and support strategic business decisions.The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the financial health and profitability of complex projects, with a strong focus on
project costing, financial forecasting, commercial analysis, price evaluations, and business partnering .Unlike a traditional accounting or financial reporting position, this role offers the opportunity to work directly with project stakeholders, evaluate technical and design changes, assess financial risks and opportunities, and influence key commercial decisions.You will be instrumental in ensuring that project modifications are accurately costed, financially justified, and aligned with contractual requirements while supporting the organization's long-term financial and operational success.Key Responsibilities
Lead financial costing and commercial analysis activities for large-scale, complex engineering and infrastructure projects.Develop detailed cost estimates, pricing evaluations, and financial business cases to support project decisions.Analyze proposed engineering and design changes against original tender assumptions, project budgets, and contractual requirements.Assess the financial impact of project modifications, including changes to costs, schedules, profitability, and financial risks.Identify potential variation orders, additional cost recovery opportunities, and areas of financial exposure.Evaluate project cost structures and recommend pricing adjustments based on changes to technical scope and project requirements.Ensure financial assessments are accurate, comprehensive, and delivered within tight project timelines.Provide financial recommendations and supporting analysis for commercial discussions and contractual negotiations.Develop, maintain, and analyze financial forecasts for complex, high-value projects.Monitor project profitability, financial performance, contract margins, and cost evolution.Evaluate project risks and opportunities, providing forward-looking financial analysis to support decision-making.Analyze cost variances and assess the implications of changes to project budgets and forecasts.Support financial planning and budgeting activities across various project phases.Provide actionable financial insights and recommendations to project leadership.Contribute to cost optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.Business Partnering & Stakeholder Collaboration
Act as a key financial business partner to engineering, operations, project management, and commercial teams.Collaborate closely with technical stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate engineering decisions into financial implications.Provide financial guidance to ensure proposed project changes remain aligned with contractual commitments and financial objectives.Professionally challenge project assumptions, costs, and proposed changes to protect project profitability.Work closely with customer-facing teams to assess project modifications and support commercially sound decisions.Communicate complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.Collaborate with other finance professionals to ensure alignment across project forecasts, financial controls, and reporting requirements.Financial Controls & Risk Management
Monitor project costs, financial risks, and profitability throughout the project lifecycle.Support financial governance and ensure compliance with established financial policies and procedures.Maintain accurate financial documentation supporting project costing, forecasts, and commercial assessments.Identify financial risks associated with project changes and recommend mitigation strategies.Support contract management activities through financial analysis and commercial recommendations.Contribute to continuous improvements in project financial management processes.Share financial knowledge and best practices with colleagues and junior finance professionals.Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
in project finance, financial planning and analysis, commercial finance, project controlling, or a similar role.Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, as the position involves collaboration with French-speaking customers and English-speaking internal stakeholders.Strong experience in
project costing, cost analysis, price evaluation, and financial forecasting .Demonstrated ability to develop financial business cases and commercially focused recommendations.Strong understanding of project budgets, cost structures, profitability, and financial risk assessment.Experience working closely with engineering, operations, project management, or other cross-functional business teams.Ability to evaluate project changes and assess their implications on costs, schedules, and financial performance.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, SUMIF, and other financial analysis functions.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to influence and professionally challenge business decisions through financial analysis and sound commercial judgment.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Ability to work onsite across the Montreal and Saint-Bruno locations.Preferred Qualifications
Experience in transportation, rail, energy, construction, infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, or other project-driven environments.Experience supporting large-scale engineering, infrastructure, or capital projects.Knowledge of project-based contracts, tender costing, and original project cost baselines.Experience evaluating contract variations, change orders, and commercial risks.Familiarity with project cost estimation, pricing strategies, and cost optimization.Experience working directly with customers or supporting customer-facing commercial teams.Background in industrial controlling or project cost management.Experience using SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems. SAP training will be provided.Familiarity with IFRS and financial compliance practices.Exposure to foreign exchange considerations, project financing, or tax optimization.Experience providing financial guidance or mentoring junior finance professionals.What We Offer
The opportunity to contribute to a major, long-term Canadian infrastructure development project.
Exposure to complex, high-value projects with significant financial and commercial responsibilities.The ability to directly influence project profitability, financial strategy, and business decisions.Collaboration with experienced engineering, operations, finance, and commercial professionals.A dynamic and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and innovation.Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and career advancement.Potential progression into broader finance leadership and management opportunities.A competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical coverage, life insurance, and pension benefits.Why Join Us?
This opportunity is ideal for a finance professional who enjoys working beyond traditional accounting and financial reporting.You will have the opportunity to work at the intersection of finance, engineering, and commercial strategy, helping project teams understand the financial implications of their decisions and ensuring complex projects remain financially successful.Why You'll Love Working Here:
Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountabilityOpportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industriesPeople-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to workStrong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidatesWhy This Opportunity is Exciting:
This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.About Acara Solutions
Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.
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