Project Controller

Blue Bird Careers • Fort Valley, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Blue Bird Corporation is hiring a Project Controller to control the budget and spending for construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Georgia. The position reports to the Executive Director, Finance and is responsible for managing project finances, tracking budget versus actuals, monitoring expenditures, maintaining cost records, and ensuring financial compliance with organizational and federal guidelines.

The Project Controller submits invoices, expense reports, periodic reports, and other documents to federal agencies; monitors project progress and milestones from a financial perspective; and communicates project health and financial performance to stakeholders. The role also prepares reports on financial status, performance, and potential risks or deviations; supports risk mitigation, financial reviews, audits, cost-reduction initiatives, and annual forecasts/AOP; and presents project updates and financial insights to management.

The role calls for a collaborative, organized, detail-oriented finance professional who can reconcile and present complex data, build strong internal relationships, and maintain high ethical standards. Blue Bird describes its workspaces and hours as flexible and emphasizes continued professional development and benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation time, and 401(k) matching.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in project controlling, FP&A, manufacturing finance, or corporate finance roles.
• Experience with budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling, and project management.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to reconcile large data sets.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and experience with business intelligence reporting tools.
• Ability to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills and the ability to thrive in a team-based environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards and comply with internal controls and legal requirements.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and authorized to work in the United States; proof of employment eligibility is required at hire.

Nice To Haves

• MBA.
• Experience working for a manufacturing company.
• Experience working with federal and state government agencies.
• Experience working with external auditors and third-party consulting firms.
• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and customer relationship skills, including handling difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills; exposure to difficult or complex projects is a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex details clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage project finances by tracking budget versus actuals, monitoring project expenditures and transactions, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with organizational and federal guidelines.
• Submit invoices, expense reports, monthly and quarterly reports, and other documents to federal agencies in a timely manner.
• Support the project team in identifying risks that could affect the project timeline or budget and developing mitigation strategies.
• Implement financial tracking mechanisms to monitor project progress and milestones.
• Regularly communicate project health and financial performance against budget to key stakeholders.
• Prepare reports on project performance, financial status, and potential risks or deviations from the plan or budget.
• Facilitate project financial reviews and audits, and ensure adherence to applicable accounting principles.
• Support cost-reduction initiatives and annual forecasts/AOP.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Continued professional development.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Vacation time.
• 401(k) matching.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level