Project Controller

Employee Magnets; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match

Job summary

Employee Magnets in Knoxville is looking for a Project Controller to act as a financial business partner to Project Managers. You will ensure accurate project accounting and manage forecasts, budgets, and financial reporting. This role is crucial for optimizing project profitability and managing CAPEX effectively.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in project controlling and is proficient in IFRS standards. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) with company match.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in project controlling, financial analysis, or accounting.
• Experience managing project finances in construction, engineering, or manufacturing.
• Familiarity with IFRS accounting standards and POC accounting.

Responsibilities

• Act as the financial advisor to Project Managers ensuring alignment with financial goals.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasts for projects, ensuring accuracy.
• Prepare and deliver project financial reports highlighting key performance drivers.

Skills

Financial Acumen

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Time Management

Technical Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

MS Excel

Project accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

Project Controller – Knoxville

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.