Project Controls Specialist

TALENT Software Services; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TALENT Software Services in Newark, NJ is seeking a Program Controls professional to manage budgets, forecasts, and dashboards for complex programs. You will track actuals vs forecast, perform variance analysis, and prepare monthly spend plans and cost summaries for clients.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in project controls or cost engineering, strong Excel/Power BI abilities, and experience with SAP. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive reporting accuracy and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, or financial analysis, ideally within utilities, energy efficiency, or infrastructure programs.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or Smartsheet.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and cost reporting practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and lead program reporting efforts.
• Familiarity with SAP.
• Clear communicator with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven professional who thrives in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and report on program budgets, forecasts, and performance dashboards.
• Track actuals vs. forecast, analyze variances, and identify corrective actions.
• Prepare monthly spend plans, accruals, and cost summaries for client reporting.
• Support KPI tracking, performance metrics, and executive dashboards.
• Coordinate with program team, PMO, and engineering teams to validate program expenditures.
• Maintain controls documentation and ensures consistency across all program workstreams.
• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen cost control and forecasting discipline.
• Support audit and regulatory readiness by maintaining clear documentation of cost and workflow processes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Reporting skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Smartsheet

SAP

Job description

• Develop, maintain, and report on program budgets, forecasts, and performance dashboards.


• Track actuals vs. forecast, analyze variances, and identify corrective actions.


• Prepare monthly spend plans, accruals, and cost summaries for client reporting.


• Support KPI tracking, performance metrics, and executive dashboards.


• Coordinate with program team, PMO, and engineering teams to validate program expenditures.


• Maintain controls documentation and ensures consistency across all program workstreams.


• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen cost control and forecasting discipline.


• Support audit and regulatory readiness by maintaining clear documentation of cost and workflow processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and report on program budgets, forecasts, and performance dashboards.


• Track actuals vs. forecast, analyze variances, and identify corrective actions.


• Prepare monthly spend plans, accruals, and cost summaries for client reporting.


• Support KPI tracking, performance metrics, and executive dashboards.


• Coordinate with program team, PMO, and engineering teams to validate program expenditures.


• Maintain controls documentation and ensures consistency across all program workstreams.


• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen cost control and forecasting discipline.


• Support audit and regulatory readiness by maintaining clear documentation of cost and workflow processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.


• 5+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, or financial analysis, ideally within utilities, energy efficiency, or infrastructure programs.


• Strong analytical and reporting skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or Smartsheet.


• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and cost reporting practices.


• Proven ability to work independently and lead program reporting efforts.


• Familiarity with SAP.


• Clear communicator with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.


• Organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven professional who thrives in fast-paced environments.