Profitability in Construction
Gold Seal: 4 Credits *BC Housing: TBA
Description
Course Overview
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.
Key Benefits
• Connect job site activities with financial results
• Improve project profitability and productivity
• Strengthen cash flow management
• Use financial reports to support better decisions
• Implement controls that support sustainable company growth
About the instructor: Wayne Newell, CMA, has over 35 years hands-on experience in financial and operational management in construction and related sectors. Since 2003, he has delivered exclusive, practical training programs to assist contractors improve project performance and company profitability. His workshops, delivered in a clear impactful way, focus on practical solutions.
Delivery Method: Virtual Session - Zoom Platform
Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and a digital certificate upon completion.
This course is delivered in partnership with local and provincial construction associations across Canada. You will be participating with a group of industry peers from multiple regions.
Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person that will be in attendance.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to this course.
Who Should Attend
• 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.
Attendance at this course earns 4 Gold Seal Credits.
Technical Requirements
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Computer or laptop
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This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate.
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Windows 10 or Mac iOS.
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Webcam (Mandatory)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class
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Microphone (Mandatory)
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Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.
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A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.
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Comfortable chair
Course Credit Information
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The course is eligible for 4 CCA Gold Seal education credits