Project Controller (Traveler)

Gilbane Building Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilbane Building Company is seeking a Project Controller (Traveler) to lead financial administration for mega projects. You will ensure adherence to Gilbane policies, collaborate with project teams, and travel up to 50% as needed across locations including Chicago and other US cities.

The role requires strong accounting knowledge, 8–10 years of experience, and the ability to manage forecasts and risk analysis within a dynamic construction environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Responsibilities

• Train and support project teams in all project accounting procedures.
• Supervise and train direct reports; manage workload and performance.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of project forecast.
• Assist in financial closing and risk/opportunity analysis.
• Work as an independent accountant during forecast meetings to mitigate risk.
• Monitor indicators for project risk and inform Accounting Manager/Business Controller.
• Assist in monthly Work in Process (WIP).

Skills

Strong communication

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Construction software

Education

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

Tools

Construction management software

Job description

Project Controller (Traveler)

Job Locations: US-IL-Chicago; US-MA-Boston; US-TX-Houston; US-NC-Charlotte; US-GA-Atlanta

Overview

Gilbane is seeking a Project Controller to lead all financial administration and fiscal management aspects of a mega project or multiple large‑to‑mid‑size projects. This role ensures that all team members, including Project Manager, Superintendent, and Engineer, follow Gilbane financial policies and procedures and communicates any profitability or risk to leadership. The Project Controller collaborates closely with the project team and may need to travel up to 50% depending on the project location. We are open to hiring in any location.

Who are we?

As a Top‑10 ENR Contractor, Gilbane is a family‑owned business with 45 offices that has been shaping communities since 1870. Consistently recognized as one of the most reputable construction management firms in the country, Gilbane is committed to delivering projects safely and on‑time. You will have the opportunity to build schools, labs, hospitals, corporate offices, sports arenas and more!

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Who are you?

You are a coach/leader who leads with an inclusive and empathetic mindset, provides feedback and guidance to help others excel, determines priorities, delegates work, and effectively communicates progress. You establish measures to assess impact, quality and timeliness of results while praising successes and sharing lessons learned. You build high‑performing teams by attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining talented individuals through motivation and discipline.

You leverage business insights by understanding industry trends, local market/economic conditions, and Gilbane’s business model to make critical decisions and create competitive advantage. You deploy a strategic mindset when considering solutions to long‑term opportunities and risks that may develop in the future.

Core values match Gilbane’s: Integrity, Caring, Teamwork, Toughmindedness, Dedication to Excellence, Discipline, Loyalty, and Entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities

• Train and support project teams in all project accounting procedures.
• Supervise and train direct reports on processes, procedures, and completion of daily tasks; manage workload and performance of direct reports, ensuring alignment with overall company standards.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of project forecast.
• Assist in the financial closing process including development of risk and opportunity analysis.
• Work and act as an independent accountant during project forecast meetings to mitigate financial risk.
• Evaluate change management for inconsistencies and risk impacts on projects.
• Monitor key indicators for managing and analyzing project risks while keeping Accounting Manager and/or Business Controller informed of any concerns.
• Assist the Accounting Manager or Business Controller with monthly Work in Process (WIP).
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment to motivate and engage team members.
• Assist in communicating company and department strategy to direct reports.

Qualifications

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to learn construction management and payment management software.

Compensation

Salary ranges from $125,000.00‑$175,000.00 plus benefits and retirement program depending on location.

Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit‑sharing/401k plan. We invest in employees’ education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre‑employment substance abuse test.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gilbane is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.