Project Controller

Ascential Technologies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascential Technologies is seeking a Project Controller to drive financial discipline across multi‑discipline projects in a global tech environment. You will partner with Project Managers and the Group Controller to forecast rigor, analyze performance, and tighten cost accounting.

This hands‑on role requires strong business judgment and the confidence to push back constructively. The ideal candidate brings 5–8 years in project controlling or operational finance, ERP and advanced Excel skills, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in project controlling, cost accounting, or operational finance.
• Strong analytical skills to challenge assumptions and explain financial impacts clearly.
• Experience working with project or operations teams.
• ERP and advanced Excel skills required.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Project Managers to monitor project performance against budget and forecast.
• Develop and maintain forecasting templates and ensure consistent project reporting.
• Analyze cost accounting related to labor rates, overhead, and absorption; monitor trends.
• Serve as a financial partner to Project Managers and coordinate with the Group Controller for reporting.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Financial analysis

ERP systems

Stakeholder communication

Project accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Description

Ascential Technologies is a global leader in automated diagnostic, testing, and production solutions serving life sciences and specialty industrial markets. With operations across 14 countries and 4 continents, Ascential brings together deep technical expertise across microfluidics, optics, additive manufacturing, motion control, and software to help customers achieve the impossible.

Job Details

Ascential Technologies is a global leader in automated diagnostic, testing, and production solutions serving life sciences and specialty industrial markets. With operations across 14 countries and 4 continents, Ascential brings together deep technical expertise across microfluidics, optics, additive manufacturing, motion control, and software to help customers achieve the impossible.

The Test & Measurement (T&M) Systems division is a strategic growth engine within Ascential, serving OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, testing laboratories, and aftermarket customers across Aerospace, Industrials, Automotive, and adjacent markets.

Role Summary

The Project Controller partners with the Group Controller and Project Management teams to drive financial discipline, transparency, and accountability across projects. This role focuses on forecasting rigor, performance analysis, and cost accounting. Actively challenging assumptions, pressure‑testing forecasts, and ensuring project financial performance is clearly understood and managed.

This is a hands‑on, analytical role requiring strong business judgment and the confidence to push back constructively.

Key Responsibilities

Project Financial Management

• Partner with Project Managers to monitor project performance, including actuals vs. budget and forecast
• Actively challenge and validate project forecasts through pressure testing and scenario analysis
• Identify early warning signs of cost overruns, margin erosion, or schedule risk

Forecasting & Tools

• Develop, standardize, and maintain forecasting and reporting templates in collaboration with the PM team
• Improve consistency and discipline in project financial reporting
• Support monthly project reviews with clear, data‑driven insights

Cost Accounting & Labor Analysis

• Manage and analyze cost accounting related to labor rates, overhead, and absorption
• Monitor labor efficiency, utilization, and absorption trends
• Support continuous improvement of cost models and rate structures

Business Partnering

• Serve as a financial sounding board for Project Managers—constructively pushing back where assumptions do not align with data
• Work closely with the Group Controller to ensure project results properly flow into financial reporting
• Support audits and reviews related to project accounting and revenue recognition (as applicable)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5–8 years of experience in project controlling, cost accounting, or operational finance
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to challenge assumptions and explain financial impacts clearly
• Experience working directly with project or operations teams
• ERP and advanced Excel skills required

Nice to Have

• Prior ownership of a project accounting role, including direct responsibility for project financial results
• Experience with Percentage of Completion (POC) or other long‑term project revenue recognition methodologies

Equal Opportunity Employer

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