Project Controller

SMP Automotive Global; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is seeking a Project Controller to manage financial and commercial aspects across the full lifecycle of automotive projects, from RFQ to production launch. You will bridge Finance, Sales, Engineering, and Operations to drive profitability.

The role emphasizes cost tracking, investment monitoring, and decision support, with close collaboration on SAP data and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a business/finance field.
• Experience in finance, cost control, or project financial management.
• Experience with international manufacturing environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the financial interface between Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, Logistics, Production, Finance, and project leadership.
• Support project controlling activities from RFQ through end of production.
• Prepare and analyze project costings, budgets, investments, pricing, revenues, and profitability.
• Collect, verify, and document project performance data, investments, and financial assumptions.
• Support acquisition activities, including costing workshops, bid comparisons, sourcing decisions, and management approvals.
• Track customer investments, capital expenditures, startup costs, operating expenses, and cash-out requirements.
• Prepare and maintain project financial information for project reviews and management decision-making.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Financial reporting

Cost accounting

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is seeking a Project Controller to support financial and commercial activities throughout the full lifecycle of automotive projects, from the initial RFQ and acquisition phase through launch and series production.

About the Role

This position serves as a key link between Finance, Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, Logistics, and Plant Operations, providing financial analysis, project controlling, cost tracking, investment monitoring, and decision support to help ensure the economic success of our projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the financial interface between Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, Logistics, Production, Finance, and project leadership.
• Support project controlling activities from RFQ through the end of production.
• Prepare and analyze project costings, budgets, investments, pricing, revenues, and profitability.
• Collect, verify, and document project performance data, investments, and financial assumptions.
• Support acquisition activities, including costing workshops, bid comparisons, sourcing decisions, and management approvals.
• Track customer investments, capital expenditures, startup costs, operating expenses, and cash-out requirements.
• Prepare and maintain project financial information for project reviews and management decision-making.
• Monitor and support the change management process, including the financial impact of project changes.
• Monitor intercompany transactions and support resolution of accounting and financial issues.
• Support the transfer of project financial data into SAP and perform follow-up analysis using actual SAP results.
• Perform price, cost, profitability, and variance analyses throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities, savings potential, financial risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support budget planning, business plans, and financial reporting requirements.
• Monitor project and launch costs and ensure timely financial data is available for monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities.
• Support regional sites and project teams with financial analysis and guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Several years of practical experience in finance, controlling, cost accounting, or project-related financial management, preferably in an international manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting Greenfield and Brownfield ramp-up projects preferred.
• Experience with project management and cross-functional project teams.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and cost accounting principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with SAP and financial/project data processing.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High level of initiative, accuracy, reliability, and attention to detail.

Required Skills

We are looking for a proactive and analytical finance professional who can connect financial information to operational decisions. The successful candidate will be comfortable working across departments, managing multiple priorities, identifying financial risks and opportunities, and providing clear information to support project and business decisions.

Preferred Skills

Why Join SMP Automotive Systems Alabama? At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment and play a critical role in supporting major customer projects from acquisition through production. We value teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and initiative, and we provide opportunities for employees to make a meaningful impact on our business.

Pay range and compensation package

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity.