Project Managers Guide to Accounting Practices, Cost Controls & Financial Reports (November 18, 2025)

Achieving project success relies on the collective strength of the entire team, including accountants. Beyond traditional number crunching, effective project management demands strong communication, cooperation, strategic management, accurate costing, and precise forecasting. This specialized course is tailored for project management professionals seeking to deepen their financial expertise, bridging the gap between construction processes and accounting principles.

Led by Wayne Newell, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience in finance and construction, this course equips participants with essential tools to proactively identify and resolve project challenges. Participants will learn to minimize unnecessary expenses, enhance productivity, optimize overhead management, and address labour shortages effectively. Wayne's guidance ensures that participants not only navigate the complexities of construction projects but also exceed expectations at every stage.

Prepare for an engaging and interactive learning experience designed to foster active participation and shared insights, moving beyond traditional lecture formats. This course encourage active participation, shared learning and real-world application, equipping you with the skills to navigate even the most complex projects with confidence and success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

Project Management Essentials: Understand the key responsibilities of the Project Manager and the entire project team.

Construction Industry Challenges: Navigate the unique risks, challenges, and contract types specific to the construction sector.

Financial Wisdom: Master revenue and cost accruals and their impact on financial reporting.

Cash Flow and Assets: Forecast cash flows, develop receivables strategies, and evaluate fixed asset acquisitions.

GAAP Fundamentals: Gain a solid foundation in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and essential financial terminology.

Labour Costs and Productivity: Understand the critical role of labour in project costs, identify causes of productivity dips, and explore strategies to address the skilled labour shortage.

Recruiting Strategies: Learn effective recruitment approaches to attract young talent, immigrants, and women into the workforce.

Overhead and Risk Management: Explore overhead control, access training grants, and manage labour and project-related risks effectively.

Project Close-Out Mastery: Streamline project close-out processes, evaluate costs, and prepare accurate cost forecasts.

This comprehensive program equips you with the tools and insights to drive efficiency, profitability, and long-term success.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This course is perfect for professionals eager to:

• Master financial management and cost control strategies

• Shape and execute growth initiatives with confidence profitability

Ideal participants include:

• Project Managers looking to improve project profitability
• Coordinators and Estimators ready to refine their financial skills
• Department Heads and Field Superintendents aiming to enhance operational efficiency
• Gold Seal Candidates seeking a competitive edge
• Senior Managers and Owners focused on strategic growth and financial leadership

Instructor – Wayne Newell 

Wayne Newell brings over 35 years of distinguished experience in senior financial and management roles across Canada, the US, and the Caribbean. His career spans a range of expertise as an accountant, senior financial manager and operations manager complemented by substantial contributions in mentoring businesses toward profitable growth.

Since 2003, he has made a significant impact on over 3,800 professionals through his exclusive training and development courses. Since earning his CMA designation in 1972 Wayne continues his dedication in encouraging development and excellence among his peers and fellow professionals.

WHY THIS COURSE STANDS OUT:

• Benefit from Wayne’s unique blend of financial expertise and real-world operational insights
• Leverage proven strategies tailored for construction industry professionals
• Join a network of professionals who have transformed their skills under Wayne’s guidance

EARN RECOGNITION WHILE YOU LEARN:
Upon completing the three engaging half-day sessions, participants will earn 4 Gold Seal Credits, boosting their credentials and signaling their commitment to professional growth. 

Course Format 

This course will be delivered in partnership with your local construction association and other associations throughout Canada. As such, you will be participating with industry professionals from many provinces.  

Webcams and a computer/laptop are mandatory. This course involves on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content like slides or videos, and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cell-phones or tablets may not be adequate. 

In order to issue course certificates, attendance will be monitored through Zoom “Usage” reports which will show all the attendees in the class and how long they were logged in.  

Please plan to be fully engaged in the class just as you would for attendance in a classroom.  

 Access information and the course manual will be provided to you by your association via email in advance of the training.