Project Controller

Blue Bird Corporation; Fort Valley (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

14 paid holidays

Vacation time

401k matching

Job summary

Blue Bird Corporation in Fort Valley, GA is seeking a Finance Project Controller to manage the budget and spend for a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. You will track budget vs actuals, handle invoices and financial documents, and report progress to leadership.

The role requires strong Excel and BI skills, cross-functional collaboration, and experience in manufacturing finance. You will support audits, forecast annual plans, and help drive cost reduction while maintaining rigorous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field); MBA preferred.
• 5+ years in a project controller, FP&A, or manufacturing finance roles.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident; work eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Manage project finances by tracking budget vs actuals and expenditures.
• Submit invoices and reports to federal agencies promptly.
• Identify risks affecting timeline or budget and develop mitigations.
• Produce reports on project performance and financial status.
• Support audits and cost reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate project health to stakeholders.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial planning

Forecasting

MS Excel

BI reporting

Cross-functional

Analytical thinking

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s in Business

MBA preferred

Tools

MS PowerPoint

BI tools

Job description

Blue Bird Fort Valley
402 Blue Bird Blvd
Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA

Description

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visitwww.blue-bird.com .

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, Finance; this role is responsible for controlling the budget and spend for building a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, GA. Key responsibilities include managing project finances, tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring expenditures; submitting invoices, reports and financial documents to federal agencies in a timely manner; maintaining project cost records; reporting financial performance and progress to key stakeholders; presenting project updates and financial insights to management; facilitating project related financial reviews and audits; supporting cost reduction initiatives and annual forecasts/AOP.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage project finances by tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring project-related expenditures and transactions (purchase requisitions, invoices, etc.); maintaining financial records; and ensuring financial compliance with organizational and federal guidelines
• Submit invoices, expense reports, monthly/quarterly reports and other documents to federal agencies in a timely manner
• Support the project team in identifying potential risks that may impact project timeline or budget and work with the team in developing strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly
• Implement robust tracking mechanisms to monitor project progress and milestones from a financial perspective; Communicate project health and financial performance against budget to all key stakeholders regularly
• Generate comprehensive reports on project performance, financial status, and potential risks or deviations from the plan/budget
• Facilitate project financial reviews, audits and ensure adherence to applicable accounting principles
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Experience with budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling; project management
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to reconcile large data sets and intermediate to advanced level skills in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence reporting tools
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in Excel; BI reporting tools; ability to reconcile and present complex data and collaborate cross-functionally
• Ability to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Must be organized and detail-oriented
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to thrive in a team-based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers
• Continuously perform to high ethical standards and those established from an Internal Controls/Legal perspective

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in business (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field); MBA preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a project controller, FP&A, manufacturing finance or corporate finance roles
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working for a manufacturing company
• Experience working with federal and state government agencies
• Experience working with external auditors and 3 rd party consultant firms

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours to help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

INCLUDES

• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

LI-Onsite

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Business Administration or related field.

Experience

Required

5 years:

Experience in a project controller, FP&A, manufacturing finance or corporate finance roles

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.