Project Financial Controls Manager

Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.•Chicago, IL

1d•$114,500 - $142,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Financial Controls Manager leads the financial controls and governance function within PF&G and is responsible for ensuring projects are financially structured, forecasted, monitored, and challenged to support profitable delivery. Operating within the Milhouse Project Management Methodology (PMM), this role leads the Controls team, establishes financial review and validation standards, and partners with Project Managers and Group Leaders to identify financial risk and drive corrective action throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

Four-year bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering Management, or a related field from an accredited College or University. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in project controls, project finance, FP&A for a project-based business, or related financial operations;
Prior team leadership experience required.
Experience in engineering, construction, consulting, or another project-based professional services environment strongly preferred.
Advanced understanding of project financial management, project P&Ls, profitability, multipliers, labor and billing rates, overhead/burden rates, and margin analysis.
Strong knowledge of T&M/cost-plus and lump-sum/fixed-fee contract structures and the financial risks associated with each.
Demonstrated experience with project forecasting and controls, including EAC, ETC, backlog, burn rate, remaining fee, percent complete, and revenue leakage.
Ability to evaluate staffing/resource plans and model the impact of labor mix, rates, cost, and overhead on project profitability.
Strong quantitative analysis, forecasting, financial interpretation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to convert findings into corrective actions.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team, establish standards, and manage multiple project reviews and deadlines.
Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint/Vision or a comparable project-based ERP; strong Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
Knowledge of project management principles and professional-services or engineering/construction project delivery.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Project Financial Controls team and assign project validation and financial review coverage.
Approve project setups and structural changes in Deltek, including contract type, billing structure, rates, fees, revenue method, budgets, phases/tasks, and key financial assumptions.
Establish and maintain standards for project forecasting, financial reviews, invoice validation, controls documentation, audit support, and recurring reporting.
Review project P&Ls and financial performance, including revenue, direct labor, subconsultants/ODCs, overhead, multipliers, margin, burn, backlog, EAC, ETC, and remaining fee.
Evaluate T&M/cost-plus and lump-sum/fixed-fee project structures and identify financial risks created by contract terms, rate tables, staffing plans, scope changes, or delivery performance.
Review high-risk projects, material revisions, margin deterioration, revenue leakage, and control exceptions; escalate significant risks and recommend corrective actions.
Guide resource and staffing analysis by evaluating labor mix, billing rates, cost rates, overhead burden, remaining budget, and expected margin to support profitable project delivery.
Translate financial findings into clear recommendations for Project Managers and Group Leaders, including staffing, scope, rate, change-order, billing, or delivery actions.
Ensure invoices do not bypass required Controls validation and verify that identified exceptions are resolved before invoices advance for Project Manager approval.
Lead Controls review of percent-complete (% complete) and monthly project financial meetings; challenge % complete, ETC/EAC, staffing, remaining fee, backlog, and revenue assumptions, and ensure approved updates are reflected in Deltek.
Provide training and guidance to Controls staff and project teams on project financial controls, forecasting, profitability, and related best practices.
Drive continuous improvement in project financial controls, reporting, and governance processes using project performance data and recurring findings.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Coverages
Discounted Gym Membership
Competitive Base Salary
401(k) Retirement Plan
Professional Development Incentives
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training)
Employee Education & Development Program
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Extracurricular Sports Teams
Employee Recognition Program
Employee Referral Bonus
Transit Benefits Program
Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities