Cost & Reporting Manager

Job Summary

The Cost and Reporting Manager serves as the financial and administrative bridge between Operations, Estimating, Accounting, and Executive Leadership. This position is responsible for analyzing projects for success from contract award through project closeout by ensuring accurate contract administration, project setup, job costing, financial reporting, and analysis of cost, trends, and production. Effective service in this role will deliver relevant reporting, better awareness and insight, improved team decision making, and greater impact for our mission, employees, and customers.

The Cost and Reporting Manager develops and maintains the financial systems and reporting necessary to provide leadership with timely, accurate, and meaningful operational data. This individual becomes the company's subject matter expert for project financial management through LIMS, QuickBooks, B2W, and other operational software platforms while continuously improving integration between systems.

This position directly supports Metzler Forest Products' commitment to operational excellence by ensuring project financial information is accurate, actionable, and aligned with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Produce daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational reports.
• Prepare project profitability reports for leadership.
• Develop and maintain dashboards tracking:
  • Project profitability
  • Labor efficiency
  • Equipment utilization
  • Production metrics
  • Revenue by division
  • Gross margin
  • Contract backlog
  • Work-in-progress
  • Forecasted project completion
• Assist with annual budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Perform variance analysis between estimated and actual project costs.
• Develop ad hoc financial reports for Executive Leadership.

Job Costing & Cost Control

• Monitor labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, trucking, and overhead costs for each project.
• Review job cost reports for completeness and accuracy.
• Identify coding errors and cost discrepancies before financial reporting.
• Partner with Operations to improve cost visibility and accountability.
• Analyze project profitability throughout project execution.
• Identify trends, cost overruns, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Support post-project financial reviews and lessons learned.

Operational Support

• Serve as the primary financial resource supporting Operations.
• Partner with Project Managers, Superintendents, Estimators, Procurement, Accounting, and Executive Leadership.
• Improve project financial visibility across all business units.
• Assist leadership with strategic planning through financial data analysis.
• Recommend process improvements that increase operational efficiency and profitability.

Contract Administration

• Own the contract administration process from project award through final closeout.
• Review customer contracts for billing requirements, payment terms, retainage, insurance requirements, prevailing wage requirements, and financial obligations.
• Maintain complete electronic contract files including amendments, change orders, supporting documentation, and correspondence.
• Coordinate contract setup across all operational and accounting software systems.
• Monitor contract compliance and notify leadership of financial or contractual risks.

Project Setup & Software Administration

• Serve as the company expert for project setup within LIMS.
• Configure customers, contracts, cost codes, products, billing structures, rate tables, subcontractors, vendors, and project information.
• Maintain master data across LIMS, QuickBooks, B2W, and other operational software.
• Identify opportunities to improve software integration, automation, and reporting efficiency.
• Ensure project information remains accurate throughout the project lifecycle.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Maintain financial documentation supporting audits.
• Ensure accurate project documentation supporting customer billing.
• Maintain internal financial controls surrounding project setup and job costing.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for project financial management.
• Ensure consistency of project financial processes throughout the organization.

Continuous Improvement

• Become the internal expert on:
  • LIMS
  • QuickBooks
  • B2W
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Reporting software
  • Business Intelligence tools
• Recommend improvements to workflows, reporting, software utilization, and financial controls.
• Continuously seek opportunities to reduce administrative waste while improving data quality and reporting accuracy.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Construction Management, or related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Three (3) or more years of experience in job costing, construction accounting, project accounting, financial analysis, or contract administration.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, Power Query, and advanced formulas.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret contracts and financial documents.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred

• Experience with:
  • LIMS
  • QuickBooks Enterprise
  • B2W
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Construction accounting software
• Experience in forestry, heavy civil construction, land clearing, trucking, or manufacturing industries.
• Experience developing KPIs and executive dashboards.

Standards

Be Professional:

We set the standard for everything we do. We are committed to high quality service and products. We raise the bar in our industry.

• Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism by continually improving skills, knowledge, and performance.
• Arrive at work on time, prepared, and ready to contribute each day:  Pleasant, present, and productive.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment by performing regular housekeeping duties.
• Promote and adhere to company safety protocols with diligence and consistency.
• Contribute positively as a collaborative team member dedicated to organizational success.
• Consistently and effectively work in harmony with all team members, customers, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet performance expectations.

Adapt to Change:

We embrace change to stay ahead of the curve. No challenge is too big, we find solutions that work. Diversification and innovation are key to our success.

• Accept constructive feedback with a willingness to learn and make improvements.
• Seek out solutions independently and demonstrate initiative in resolving challenges.
• Stay flexible and responsive to new procedures, technologies, and company needs.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement efforts across departments.

Uphold Integrity:

Trust is the foundation of our relationships. We do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Always honest. Always transparent.

• Take ownership of results and actions, demonstrating honesty and responsibility in all tasks.
• Work safely and responsibly every day to protect yourself and others.
• Consistently follow all company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Encourage and model integrity and accountability throughout the organization.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions including heat, humidity, cold and exposure to dust.
• Work is performed outdoors and requires proper attire for working outdoors for up to 10 or more hours a day.
• Must be able to walk, climb, stand, and sit for up to 10 or more hours a day.
• Lift up to 75lbs.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends at short notice.
• Use of personal protective equipment is required.