Rick M. Ornelas

Provide financial oversight and cost control across all project phases, ensuring delivery within budgets, timelines, and quality standards. Analyze data, prepare reports, and advise leadership on corrective actions while serving as liaison between project teams, finance, and senior management. Oversee corporate cash flow and revenue projections, delivering accurate forecasts to support financial planning and strategic decisions

Financial Management

• Oversaw financials for 20–25 active projects ($1M–$35M each), including budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and variance analysis.
• Managed monthly, quarterly, and annual project financial reporting.

Accounting & Controls

• Reviewed and processed contracts, COIs, change orders, invoices, accruals, and payments.
• Reconciled AP/AR, posted costs to GL accounts, and ensured accurate revenue recognition via earned value reporting.

Forecasting & Analysis

• Partnered with leadership to forecast direct/indirect costs, project cash flows, and companywide revenue.
• Analyzed commitments, resource allocations, and labor utilization across international offices.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepared client billings and internal cost reports; led monthly performance meetings with managers and executives.
• Reported directly to CFO and Board on project financial performance and risk.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Led the Project Controls Department; managed one direct report (AP/AR) and standardized financial reporting across all projects.
• Developed companywide SOPs, reporting templates, and budget/payment schedules.

Systems & Training

• Directed ERP system transition initiatives; trained PMs on financial reporting and ERP use.
• Acted as key liaison between finance, operations, and international offices.

Financial Management

• Directed project financials for Lane Construction within a JV, aligning corporate and JV reporting with GAAP.
• Led monthly cost report meetings with executives; analyzed committed vs. forecasted costs to budget.
• Managed forecasting of direct and indirect costs and prepared journal entries for cost movements.
• Audited and reconciled JV cash flow, payroll, and cost reports on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Subcontract Management

• Oversaw $434M+ in subcontracts, service agreements, and vendor contracts.
• Negotiated, reviewed, and processed COIs, change orders, invoices, and accruals.
• Developed and maintained cost/quantity tracking systems for subcontractor performance.
• Ensured contractual and labor law compliance (Washington L&I, SBE).
• Served as primary contact for subcontractor/vendor billing; resolved compliance and payment inquiries.
• Trained field engineers in subcontract management practices.
• Supervised two direct reports (AP Clerk, Office Manager).

Human Resources & Payroll

• Acted as Lane’s onsite HR advisor; managed payroll administration and HR-related support.

Project Summary: A Flatiron–Lane Joint Venture design-build project for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on Interstate I-405, valued at $705M+. The work includes constructing 12 miles of express toll lanes between SR 167 in Renton and NE 6th Street in Bellevue, connecting into a 40-mile express toll system and supporting the new I-405 Bus Rapid Transit System.

Financial Management

• Managed two Miami-Dade WASD hard-bid construction projects totaling $70M.
• Oversaw monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and forecasting of direct/indirect costs.
• Analyzed committed vs. projected costs against operational budgets.
• Served as client point of contact for financial, contractual, and HR inquiries.
• Supervised three direct reports (Office Manager & two interns).

Compliance Management

• Drafted and managed contracts (subcontracts, service agreements, POs, material & environmental contracts).
• Ensured compliance with federal/state labor laws and contractual insurance requirements.
• Administered prevailing wage payroll (Davis-Bacon, Miami-Dade Responsible Wage & Benefits).
• Supported creation of new corporate entities in emerging Florida markets; maintained permits.

Human Resources

• Acted as Area HR Manager and Equal Employment Officer, overseeing HR compliance and employee support.

Project Summary: Contract #S-892 & S-895 – Rehabilitation and improvements to Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s Central District (CDWWTP) and North District (NDWWTP) Wastewater Treatment Plants, focusing on primary and secondary clarifiers. The projects were delivered under the County’s Consent Decree and Capital Improvement Programs Acceleration Ordinance (Section 2-8.2.12).