Project Controller

Lincoln Group; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A U.S.-based defense-focused manufacturing firm seeks an experienced PMO Controller to ensure financial control and compliance across government programs. You will establish PMO frameworks and lead financial reporting efforts while managing risks and driving improvements. Ideal candidates have at least 8 years of relevant experience, and strong skills in financial management and project oversight. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, as access to sensitive government information is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in PMO, program management, or finance/controller roles.
• At least 5 years in the Defense or Aerospace industry.
• PMP, PgMP, or relevant financial credentials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage financial tracking and reporting procedures.
• Establish PMO methodologies, standards, and tools.
• Oversee portfolio-level risk and change management.

Skills

Financial control

Program management

Earned Value Management

Financial modeling

Project management tools

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

Primavera

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Full Desk Recruiter | Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting

Division: Finance / PMO

Reports To: VP, Programs

Location: Confidential – U.S.-Based

Overview

Our client, a U.S.-based defense-focused manufacturer, is seeking an experienced PMO Controller to support a portfolio of complex government programs. This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance framework for the Program Management Office (PMO), with a strong emphasis on financial control, program performance, compliance, and enterprise-level reporting. The PMO Controller provides executive leadership with a consolidated, transparent view of program health, risks, and financial status across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Program Financial Control and Reporting

• Develop, implement, and manage standardized financial tracking and reporting procedures across all programs, including EVMS and Cost Performance Reports.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to ensure adherence to approved funding.
• Conduct financial reviews and audits of control accounts and work packages.
• Prepare and present portfolio-wide performance reports, metrics, and KPIs to internal leadership and external stakeholders as needed.

Governance and Compliance

• Establish PMO methodologies, standards, tools, and templates to ensure consistency across programs.
• Ensure compliance with DFARS, CAS, and contract-specific regulatory requirements.
• Manage governance structures including program reviews, steering committees, and gate reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement using industry best practices such as CMMI and ISO standards.

Risk and Change Management

• Oversee portfolio-level risk and opportunity management, ensuring visibility of all risks, mitigations, and impacts.
• Manage the formal change control process for scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ensure all baseline changes are evaluated, approved, documented, and communicated.

Resource and Portfolio Management

• Partner with functional leaders to optimize resource allocation across the program portfolio.
• Maintain a master integrated schedule across programs, identifying dependencies and critical path requirements.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Serve as a subject matter expert for program managers on control processes, compliance, EVM, and financial management.
• Train and mentor PMO and program staff on PMO standards and tools.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in PMO, program management, or finance/controller roles, with at least 5 years in the Defense or Aerospace industry.
• PMP, PgMP, EVM certification, or relevant financial credentials preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management on major government programs.
• Strong understanding of government contracting requirements.
• Advanced proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
• Experience with Power BI or similar analytics tools, and major ERP systems.
• Proven ability to influence and drive results within matrixed and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills, business acumen, and ability to assess key business metrics at an enterprise level.

Preferred Traits

• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and governance capabilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to navigate and influence within a complex, matrixed environment.

Additional Information

• Travel up to 50 percent.
• Position requires eligibility for access to sensitive U.S. government information (NOFORN). Proof of U.S. citizenship is required. Dual citizenship is not permitted.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance
• Defense and Space Manufacturing and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing