Project Controller

Blue Bird Corporation•Fort Valley, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Bird Corporation is seeking a Project Controller to control the budget and spending for construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, Georgia. Reporting to the Executive Director, Finance, this role manages project finances, tracks budget versus actuals, monitors expenditures, maintains project cost records, and ensures financial compliance with organizational and federal guidelines. The Project Controller submits invoices and financial reports to federal agencies, reports financial performance and project progress to stakeholders, presents updates and financial insights to management, and facilitates project financial reviews and audits. The role also supports risk mitigation, cost-reduction initiatives, and annual forecasts/AOP. The position calls for experience in budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling, and project management. The successful candidate can reconcile large data sets, present complex information to varied stakeholders, collaborate across functions, and work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant business field and at least five years of related experience are required; an MBA and experience in manufacturing, government-agency work, or external audits are preferred. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and authorized to work in the United States. The position is onsite. Benefits include continued professional development, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time, and 401(k) matching.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, such as 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.
Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence reporting tools; ability to reconcile large data sets and present complex data.
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.
Commitment to high ethical standards and internal controls/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 consultant firms.
Strong project management skills and exposure to difficult or complex projects.
Ability to anticipate customer needs, provide guidance, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex details clearly.

Responsibilities

Manage project finances, track budget versus actuals, monitor project expenditures and transactions, maintain financial records, and ensure compliance with organizational and federal guidelines.
Submit invoices, expense reports, monthly and quarterly reports, and other documents to federal agencies in a timely manner.
Help identify risks that could affect the project timeline or budget and work with the team to develop mitigation strategies.
Implement financial tracking mechanisms to monitor project progress and milestones, and regularly communicate project health and financial performance against budget to 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.