Profitability in Construction
This six-hour course will help contractors develop strategies to reduce costs, control expenses and improve cash flow. It will help with recognizing problem projects, identify unwanted expenses, increase productivity and manage overhead expenses.
Description
Construction is demanding. Between labour shortages, tight margins, and growing overhead, it’s not enough to simply finish the job—you need to finish profitably.
The course was designed for construction professionals who want to improve the management of time, people, and money, whether they’re working on-site or in the office. It provides practical knowledge and tools to help reduce costs, improve cash flow, and enhance performance.
This isn’t a lecture—it’s a hands-on, results-focused workshop tailored to your daily challenges.
What You Will Learn
- Understand the construction project life cycle and key financial risk points
- Structured approaches to project cash flow and cash flow forecasting
- Recognize impact of labour productivity, delays, and change orders on profitability
- Use job cost reports and project evaluations to monitor project performance
- Apply financial tools such as net present value to evaluate capital acquisitions
- Understand revenue recognition, accrual accounting, and budgeting in construction
- Implement overhead controls and effective accounts receivable management
- Track success using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Productivity Metrics
- Understand how bonding, insurance, and financial partners influence growth
- Strengthen internal financial controls to protect company assets
- Understand the impact of prompt payment legislation and annual holdback release
Participants will work through practical exercises and real-world case studies that reflect some common financial and operational challenges faced by contractors.
Intended Audience
- Project Managers – seeking stronger cost control and planning skills.
- Estimators – connecting estimates to real-world financial outcomes.
- Senior Managers & Owners – increasing operational efficiency and profitability.
- Gold Seal Candidates – gaining key financial insight for certification and career growth.
- Site Supervisors & Superintendents – improving cost awareness and accountability.
- Financial managers, controllers, and accountants working in construction
This course is especially valuable for those looking to boost profitability, enhance financial management, and foster sustainable growth.
Speaker
Wayne Newell
Wayne Newell has over 35 years financial and operational leadership in the construction, service and manufacturing sectors across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. A CMA since 1972, Wayne has trained and mentored more than 4,000 professionals in the past 20+ years. His courses are known for being clear, relevant and results-focused, helping contractors improve performance and profitability.
Related Info
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.
Access information and the course manual will be provided to you by your association via email in advance of the training.