Project Controller

Aalto University; Finland; Hybrid; EUR 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalto University is seeking a Project Controller to manage the financial lifecycle of externally funded research projects and to administer the overall funding of research groups. The role offers a hybrid working model with the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo as the primary workplace.

The position starts with a monthly salary in the range of 3400–3700€, depending on experience. Employment is permanent, and the team provides support, coaching, and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Higher education degree in finance, accounting, economics or related field.
• Knowledge of financial management and accounting principles.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP) and Excel/BI basics.
• Fluency in Finnish and English.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting, monitoring, forecasting and reporting for a portfolio of research projects ensuring compliance with funder rules.
• Handling invoicing.
• Build clear financial insights for project leaders, improving predictability and decision‑making.
• Create ad‑hoc calculations and management reports.
• Communicate with domestic and international partners on project financial matters.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Communication

Finnish language

English language

Education

Finance/Economics degree

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Excel/BI

Job description

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16000 students and 5200 employees, including 446 professors. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

Aalto University Financial Services is now looking for a Project Controller to manage the financial lifecycle of externally funded research projects (e.g. Academy of Finland, EU, Business Finland, foundations and industry) and to administer the overall funding of research groups.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting, monitoring, forecasting and reporting for a portfolio of research projects ensuring compliance with funder rules.
• Handling invoicing.
• Build clear financial insights for project leaders, improving predictability and decision‑making.
• Create ad‑hoc calculations and management reports.
• Communicate with domestic and international partners on project financial matters.

Requirements

• Knowledge of financial management and accounting principles.
• A higher education degree in finance, accounting, economics or related field.
• Proactive and organized way of working.
• Service mindset and ability to communicate clearly also with non‑financial stakeholders.
• Ability to manage details carefully while understanding the bigger picture.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP) and Excel/BI basics.
• Fluency in Finnish and English.

All our work is guided by the values of the university: responsibility, courage, and collaboration.

Support, coaching and sparring when you feel you need it. Possibilities for competence development and learning. We value work‑life balance and well‑being in all aspects of life.

We work in a hybrid model, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.

The salary for the position is determined according to the University salary system. The overall monthly salary at the start of the employment is approximately 3400–3700€, depending on prior experience and expertise.

The employment relationship is permanent.

Questions? For more information about the role, please contact controller Katja Hakala, [phone] on 24September between 15-16pm or controller EevaLampinen, [phone] on 28September between 10-11am.

More about Aalto University: Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity