Junior Project Cost Controller (2026030678)
Overview
Thurber has an exciting opportunity for a Junior Project Cost Controller to join our team in Calgary, Alberta. This is a part-time, hourly contract position.
Thurber provides geotechnical, environmental and construction materials engineering and testing services for a variety of industries across Canada. Our multidisciplinary expertise allows us to work on problems related to earth, the environment and construction materials. We solve problems in a wide variety of industries including transportation, building construction, municipal infrastructure, land development, dams and water resources, industrial development, mining, oil and gas, marine and environmental services.
General Role
- Support Project Managers (PMs) by delivering clean, timely, decision-ready cost and billing metrics that allow PMs to make decisions off the metrics.
- Set up and maintain project cost controls, billing structures, and reporting routines aligned with the contract, estimate, and client requirements.
- Perform regular project data reviews to prevent small issues from becoming large project impacts
Responsibilities
- Review and understand estimate(s) and how they should be reflected in project set-up and tracking.
- Review estimates to ensure usability of data (escalate deeper estimate restructuring to a Project Controller when required).
- Set up the project in company’s ERP software with the PM in a way that supports client reporting and Thurber project metrics (e.g., cost, WIP, NLM, and other required KPIs), and PM-preferred views as appropriate.
- Support performance tracking on larger/complex projects where a Project Controller is required (coordinate/hand off as needed).
- Complete periodic project data audits weekly to verify time/expense coding integrity, vendor invoice coding accuracy, and that budgets and structures remain usable for reporting.
- Monitor and report on WIP (Work-in-Progress) and NLM (Net Labour Multiplier) as required by project type and internal standards.
- Prepare a project summary at a minimum (aligned with internal training expectations).
- Track aging receivables and coordinate with PMs on follow-up actions and client-specific processes.
- Maintain project budgets and forecasts, including updates for approved changes and scope adjustments.
- Track pending changes and ensure forecasts reflect current understanding and contract terms.Create prebills in accordance with contract and billing instructions.
- Support PMs with a first review of billing packages for completeness, compliance, and quality (backup, narratives, coding, and alignment to client requirements).
- Code vendor invoices accurately to the correct project, phase/task, and cost category.
- Assist with basic vendor invoice validation (vendor, dates, project, supporting documentation) and route issues for resolution.
Qualifications and Assets
- Diploma/degree in business, accounting, finance, engineering technology, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- 0–3 years’ experience in project accounting, project administration, cost control, or billing support (consulting/engineering environment is an asset).
- Strong attention to detail and comfort working with structured data and financial metrics.
- Able to read and follow contract and billing requirements with coaching.
- Proficient in MS Excel (filters, pivots, lookups); Power BI exposure is an asset; comfortable working in ERP/project accounting systems.
- Clear communicator who works effectively with PMs, finance, and operations.
- Excellent communication skills and customer service;
- Self-starter and team player with a positive attitude.
- and qualifications may be considered at a reduced starting wage.
What we offer
Upon joining Thurber Engineering you'll be welcomed into a casual, inclusive and professional office environment where open communication is valued at all levels. We're eager to help our team reach their potential which is why many of our team members spend much of their career with us! Here are the benefits of working for us in Calgary:
- Our office is centrally located with quick access to major roadways including Macleod Trail, Glenmore Trail, and Deerfoot Trail.
- We offer free onsite parking and a secure bicycle lock up facility + showers.
- Enjoy your lunch hour in our private, sunny atrium, or visit one of the numerous neighbouring shops and restaurants.
- Our flat organizational structure allows easy access to senior professionals, corporate leaders, and subject matter experts across the company for mentorship and feedback.
- Our culture is respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and fun.
- We offer financial support towards professional development.
- We provide health and dental coverage, a healthcare spending account, RRSP matching, and an Employee and Family assistance program with 24/7 support online or over the phone.
About Thurber
Thurber Engineering Ltd. provides environmental, geotechnical, and materials engineering and testing services. A Canadian-owned company since 1957, we are consistently recognized for the quality of our work, the knowledge of our people, and for conducting our business with integrity.
Our team continues to grow as we build our reputation by working closely with our clients to provide timely, high-value solutions and technical support. Thurber is wholly owned by our senior employees and operates from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
At Thurber, we know that our success can be attributed to the hard working, innovative group of people who come in every day ready and excited to take on new challenges and solve problems. We seek out team members who work hard, innovate, and operate with integrity. Our regional diversity gives us specialized knowledge of the various and complex geological and environmental conditions across Canada.
Our Purpose:
To make a difference for people.
Our Values:
Passion:
We're driven to deliver our best and inspire others.
Quality:
We're committed to providing our clients with a quality experience, in both service and product.
Caring:
We show kindness and concern for others, the environment, and the industry.
Together:
We make a difference for people by working with passion, quality, and care - together.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to work for a remarkable organization that takes pride in its employees - apply today!