Project Controls Specialist

SSOE Group; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off

Job summary

SSOE Group in Scottsdale, AZ seeks a Project Controls Specialist to support complex engineering projects in the Tool Install division, focusing on cost accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

You will set up projects in Deltek Vantagepoint, manage budgets and forecasts, analyze variances, prepare reports for management and clients, review invoices, and collaborate with project teams to keep projects on budget and on schedule.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with focus on Accounting or Finance.
• Progressive experience in project control, project accounting, or cost accounting in engineering/construction projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel with advanced formulas, pivots, charts; VBA a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up new projects in Deltek Vantagepoint, including phase and task structure, billing terms, rate tables, revenue methods, and budget loading at the discipline and labor category level.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections with PMs and discipline leads.
• Implement and oversee project WBS and cost coding for accurate allocation and reporting.
• Provide financial baselines and reporting frameworks for high-technology industrial projects.
• Identify cost overruns, variances, and risks; deliver timely management reports.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

Tools

Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint

Microsoft Project

Oracle Primavera

SAP Project Systems

Job description

Within SSOE’s Tool Install division, we specialize in delivering, designing, and engineering of complex process equipment across semiconductor fabs and advanced manufacturing facilities. Our team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who excel across various disciplines. We pride ourselves on our cross-disciplinary approach, which allows us to understand and address our clients' needs more comprehensively than traditional, siloed methods. Our in-house experts collaborate closely, optimizing and enhancing our work through multi-discipline strategy sessions. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art software, we deliver industry-leading technology and innovative solutions from day one.
We are seeking to hire a

Project Controls Specialist

to join our team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of our complex engineering projects within the Tool Install design space. As a Project Controller, you will leverage your expertise in project cost accounting, billing management, and financial reporting to provide critical support to project teams and leadership. You will be responsible for the financial oversight of projects from inception through close-out, ensuring projects are executed within budget, on schedule, and in compliance with all relevant financial regulations and SSOE's internal policies. This role is well suited for a detail-oriented professional who can manage competing priorities and communicate effectively.

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe‑coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

• Set up new projects in Deltek Vantagepoint, including phase and task structure, billing terms, rate tables, revenue methods, and budget loading at the discipline and labor category level.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections in collaboration with project managers and discipline leads.
• Implement and oversee project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and cost coding to ensure accurate cost allocation and reporting.
• Actively participate in project initiation and planning phases to establish financial baselines and reporting frameworks tailored to the specific requirements of high-technology industrial projects.
• Proactively identify and analyze potential cost overruns, variances, and risks, providing timely and insightful reporting to project management and stakeholders.
• Maintain and manage detailed project schedules.
• Review vendor proposals and work with procurement to issue purchase orders.
• Support internal audits related to project finances, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Analyze the cost impact of schedule changes and delays, providing insightful reports on potential financial implications.
• Develop, generate, and analyze complex project financial reports, including budget vs. actual, cost forecasts, variance analysis, earned value metrics (if applicable), and cash flow statements.
• Review client invoices for accuracy and raise any concerns with the Project Manager and the Project Accounting Coordinator (PAC). This includes understanding various billing methods such as time and materials, fixed fee, and cost-plus.
• Develop and present financial reports and analyses to project teams, management, and clients, clearly articulating financial performance and potential risks or opportunities.
• Support the change order process by analyzing the cost implications of proposed changes.
• Track and report on the financial status of change orders, ensuring proper documentation and approvals are obtained.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for project-related financial inquiries from internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Actively participate in project team meetings, providing financial updates, insights, and recommendations.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, discipline leads, and other project stakeholders to ensure alignment on financial goals and objectives.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely to both financial and non‑financial audiences.

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, with a focus in Accounting or Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience in project accounting or project controls.
• Progressive experience in project control, project accounting, or cost accounting, with a significant portion of that experience focused on engineering and/or construction projects. Experience with project accounting within the AEC industry, specifically supporting large-scale high-technology projects is a plus.
• Demonstrated use and proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with a solid ability to utilize and improve detailed formulas, pivot tables, charts, and other functions for data analysis and reporting. Experience with macros and VBA is a plus.
• Demonstrate proficiency in other Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive).
• Demonstrated use and proficiency with scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera, or other scheduling tools).
• Hands‑on experience with project management and accounting software systems (e.g., Deltek Vision/Vantagepoint, Oracle Primavera, SAP Project Systems) is highly preferred. Familiarity with data extraction, report customization, and system navigation is essential.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in all work.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate financial information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience, and any specialized licensure/certifications. Opportunity for ample rewards, leadership incentive components, and generous bonus opportunities.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.