Project Controls Specialist

Within SSOE's Advanced Technology division, we specialize in high-tech facility design, offering top-tier design and engineering services to a diverse array of clients and markets. 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. What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly conceptualize, plan, and detail every aspect of design. 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 a highly motivated and detail-oriented Project Control Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of our complex engineering projects within the challenging and ever-changing high-technology 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 comprehensive 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 is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and analytical professional to make a significant impact on the success of high-profile, technically challenging projects.

Establish and maintain project cost control systems, adhering to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and SSOE's project accounting standards.
• 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, including critical path analysis and resource leveling.
• Support Project Managers in resource allocation, task tracking, and progress monitoring.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans in response to identified cost deviations, working collaboratively with the project team.
• Review vendor proposals and work with procurement to issue purchase orders.
• Oversee and manage project subcontracts from a financial perspective, including reviewing payment applications, tracking retainage, and ensuring compliance with contract terms.
• Support internal and external 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.
• Support the identification of critical path activities and milestones from a cost perspective, highlighting potential financial risks associated with schedule slippage.
• 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.

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, 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 strong 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.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of project scheduling including work breakdown structures (WBS), gannt charts, and critical path analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and develop effective solutions.
• 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, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training, generous PTO & paid holidays.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.