Construction Assistant Job Description

My Career Path in Construction Management

My current job title is Vice President of Finance, and I work for a construction company.

The way I got into this role is by earning a degree in construction management. Most people with that degree start as project engineers. From there, they might move up to senior project engineers, assistant project managers, project managers, and eventually senior project managers or executives. However, very few transition into a role like Vice President of Finance.

For me, the opportunity came while I was a senior project manager. The company I worked for had an opening for a CFO, and after 12 years in project management, I became curious about what a CFO does. I raised my hand and expressed interest, asking to be taught the role. From there, I stepped into the position and eventually became Vice President of Finance.

Current Role Responsibilities 

An average day or week in this position involves financial analysis of the company's projects, profitability, and relationships with owners. Beyond that, a key focus is maintaining relationships with people within the company. I spend a lot of time connecting with our teams on a personal level, which fosters trust and open communication. This helps ensure that teams feel comfortable sharing both good and bad news.

When challenges arise, I work with executive staff and project teams to get projects back on track for success. Managing the finances of each construction project is a major responsibility. Project teams send me detailed reports about financial performance and client, consultant, and design team relationships. I use this data to guide teams strategically, ensuring projects remain successful or addressing issues proactively.

Pros and Cons of Construction Management

The role has its pros and cons. On the positive side, the financial rewards of being a construction executive are significant, providing a comfortable living. However, the stress level can be high due to the weight of responsibility. Finding work to keep employees secure is one of the biggest challenges but also one of the most rewarding aspects when you succeed.

While it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this level, the journey is incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing that your efforts contribute to the success of both projects and the people involved.