Project Controller

Project Controller – Knoxville

Degree with strong general, capital, and project accounting experience in manufacturing, construction, and/or engineering required. Onsite daily.

Job Description

The Project Controller serves as the financial business partner to Project Managers and is responsible for ensuring accurate project accounting, including compliance with IFRS standards, and managing project forecasts, budgets, risks, and financial reporting. This role provides crucial financial insights to support decision-making, optimize project profitability, and ensure effective capital expenditure (CAPEX) management. The Project Controller will play a key role in improving gross margins through in-depth cost analysis and proactive financial management of projects.

What you will be responsible for:

• Financial Business Partnering: Act as the financial advisor and business partner to Project Managers, providing financial guidance and support to ensure projects are delivered within budget and aligned with financial goals.
• POC (Percentage of Completion) Accounting: Ensure that revenue and costs are recognized accurately in accordance with IFRS guidelines for percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Project Forecast Accuracy: Develop, maintain, and update financial forecasts for projects, ensuring accuracy and timely updates to reflect changes in project scope, cost, and timelines.
• Project Risk Management: Identify and assess financial risks associated with projects, propose mitigation strategies, and provide recommendations to minimize exposure.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular project financial reports, including variance analysis, highlighting key drivers of performance and areas for improvement.
• Cost Analysis: Analyze project costs with a focus on improving gross margins, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring cost control measures are in place.
• CAPEX Management: Oversee and manage capital expenditures (CAPEX) related to projects, ensuring proper allocation, tracking, and reporting to optimize financial performance.
• Budget Management: Monitor and control project budgets, ensuring alignment with approved financial plans and timely identification of deviations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Project Management, Operations) to ensure alignment on project financial objectives and outcomes.
• Compliance and Controls: Ensure adherence to internal financial policies and external regulatory standards, including IFRS, and maintain a robust internal control environment.
• Process Improvement: Continuously seek opportunities to streamline and improve financial processes related to project management, including reporting, forecasting, and cost management.

COMPETENCY OR POSITION REQUIREMENTS (knowledge, skills, and abilities)

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial accounting, project accounting, budgeting, and forecasting principles.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations to improve project performance.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues, assessing risks, and proposing solutions to mitigate financial risks on projects.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting, analysis, and project management activities.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across different departments and teams.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in financial modeling, MS Excel, and project accounting software. Experience with ERP systems is highly desirable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (required levels)

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in project controlling, financial analysis, or accounting.
• Experience in managing project finances in construction, engineering, manufacturing, or a similar project-based environment.
• Experience with IFRS accounting standards, particularly POC accounting.
• Familiarity with CAPEX management and reporting.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and partnering with Project Managers.

What we offer YOU:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Paid Time Off, and holidays. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match.

To apply send your resume to ana@employeemagnets.com