As a senior cost analyst, I assist the director by providing pricing advisory services. This includes providing financial risk advice to the procurement community and conducting analyses and negotiations of contract prices with private sector suppliers. Roles and responsibilities include:•Leading business negotiations with private sector companies, including multinational companies, on an ad hoc or annual basis to determine rates for government contracts•Use of cost accounting knowledge to determine appropriate pricing for goods and/or services. This includes direct involvement in proposing changes to a company’s cost structure if contractual cost principles are not met•Conducting cost studies on complex and risky projects and providing advice as well as preparing cost estimates to support negotiations•Providing professional advice in support of my client, the Contracting Authorities at Public Services and Procurement Canada and private sector firms on contract costing and related government policies•Managing a portfolio of contractors assigned by the Director and working with these contractors to verify costs upon receipt of their financial bids•Compiling financial information from various sources, analyzing data, and developing/evaluating options to resolve any issues or challenges •Participating in group projects by contributing advisory services to clients and other stakeholders, managers and colleagues

In my role in the Price Advisory Group, I perform financial capability analyses, price justification and rate certification for companies contracting with the Government of Canada. I've gained insight on large scope, non-competitive contracts, notably with the Department of National Defence. This role allows me to put my cost accounting skills to practice and further develop my professionalism and communication skills through this insightful work experience.