Senior Bid and Project Controller

Thales; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Bid & Project Controller (Financial Analyst) to act as a Finance Business Partner for bids and programs. The role covers financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and project tracking across complex contracts in a hybrid work setting.

You will provide financial insights to Program Management, Bid Finance and Sales, ensuring robust governance and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s with 4+ years.
• Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and planning.
• Experience with bids, program finance, revenue/cost recognition, and financial statements.
• Experience with risk assessment and mitigation for P&L and Balance Sheet.
• Proficiency with SAP, Primavera, Excel and Access.

Responsibilities

• Lead program reviews: planning, tracking, analysis and reporting across varying contract types.
• Support Sales and Bid Management with financial assessments and ROI analysis.
• Deliver program financials within contractual baselines and maintain updated baselines.
• Forecast monthly and multi-year budgets including revenue and gross margin.
• Coordinate revenue components with Finance, AR, and Program Management.
• Assist auditors with documentation and reconciliations.

Skills

Financial analysis

Financial modeling

Budgeting

Forecasting

Planning

Risk assessment

Autonomous leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

Master's degree in Finance or Accounting

Tools

SAP

Primavera

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

Location: Irvine, United States of America
Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.
Senior Bid & Project Controller
Irvine, CA (Hybrid)
Position Summary
Thales is looking for a Senior Bid & Project Controller (Financial Analyst) to act as a Finance Business Partner for small, large & critical programs, as well as new bids to support the Finance, Bid & Program Management, Sales and Executive Teams in a variety of tasks.
In this position, you will also be responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, project tracking, bid & proposal finance, financial engineering, completing periodic reports and general program tasks as identified by Thales Leadership.
Key Areas of Responsibility

• Responsible for program reviews: planning, tracking, analysis, and reporting on projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk. Build scenario analysis to explain the financial impacts whenever requested; Highlight / manage program risks and opportunities in conjunction with Program Managers; Partner with all levels of the Programs Department and Bid Finance to ensure robust financials and operational governance from project set up through to project delivery.
• Supporting Sales and Bid Management by making financial assessments on new opportunities and qualifying the return on investment through scenario analysis; Supporting the Thales bid gate 0-3 process to ensure that all financial processes are adhered to and validated in accordance with documented procedures of Thales Group.
• Deliver program financials within contractual baselines: full scope of programs captured and risks/opportunities are identified; Prepare program financial baselines - Initial budget, validate changes and maintain updated business plans over the life of each program with appropriate tracking of assumptions and related variances analysis.
• Forecasting for all monthly and multi-year budgets (MYB) to include revenue and gross margin for all programs in his/her project portfolio; Ensure all costs against programs and departments are properly recorded, reconciled and analyzed.
• Coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Accounts Receivable to ensure that all the components of revenue are accounted for in accordance with the contractual terms : billing, credit, rebate; Evaluate and assess program contingencies and program efficiency metrics, reviewing trends and providing forward looking analysis.
• Accountable for ensuring all program financials are consistent with all internal policies & procedures; Support internal and external auditors' reviews and ensures that full documentation and account reconciliations, including but not limited to, program estimates at completion, are provided in a timely manner.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 5+ years of relevant accounting, or finance related experience or a Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 4+ years of relevant accounting or finance related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Financial analysis and financial modeling experience, budgeting, forecasting, and planning required.
• Prior experience working with Bids and/or Program finance, prior experience with principles of revenue and cost recognition and deferral, and financial statements, Prior experience on risk assessment, risk management and mitigation for P&L and Balance Sheet required.
• Financial Systems (i.e. SAP, Primavera or similar) experience, strong computer skills (Microsoft Office), including advanced Microsoft Excel and Access knowledge and experience required.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to fast-paced environment with changing priorities; Ability to work autonomously as a lead and provide sound financial advice to Program Management & Bid Management.
• Excellent judgment, planning and organizational skills; Analytical rigor and detail orientation with strong time management skills; Ability to receive general instructions on critical business requirements and to prioritize on key deadlines.
• Uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but receives additional specific instructions from Team Leader for new, difficult, or special projects/assignments.
  

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.
If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core Business Hours, Monday-Friday.
• Physical Environment: Typical office environment.
• Travel: Travel is not currently anticipated, but if needed is expected to be less than 5% annually.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.
  

Why Join Us?
Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.
Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [e-mail].
The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between
Total Target Cash (TTC) 85,191.75 - 150,562.00 USD Annual
This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.
(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please raise HR request through MyThales)
Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program