Bill Watts at Robert Half is working with a growing manufacturing company that with the growth has a newly created role for a Manager of Program Controlling. The Manager of Project Controlling will be responsible for overseeing financial control, budgeting, and performance monitoring of all projects within the manufacturing company. This role will ensure that projects are delivered within budget, aligned with corporate financial goals, and compliant with internal and external financial regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial analysis, project management, and manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Financial Management:
- Lead the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for various projects.
- Ensure accurate tracking and monitoring of project costs, including material, labor, overhead, and other direct/indirect costs.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual project financial reports for senior management, providing detailed analysis of performance vs. budget.
- Identify and analyze variances between actual results and budget/forecasts, recommending corrective actions where necessary.
- Lead the annual budget and quarterly forecast process for all ongoing and upcoming projects.
- Develop financial models to support project evaluation, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals.
- Coordinate with project managers and operational teams to ensure accurate budget inputs and adherence to approved financial plans.
- Cost Control & Efficiency:
- Implement and monitor financial controls to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Develop and maintain project cost control processes, including tracking of expenditures, commitments, and forecasts.
- Analyze cost trends and propose cost-saving initiatives to improve project profitability.
- Identify and assess financial risks related to project execution, including cost overruns, delays, and changes in project scope.
- Proactively address financial risks by developing mitigation strategies and monitoring their effectiveness.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies, and external regulations affecting project finances.
- Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with project managers, engineering, procurement, and operations teams to provide financial insights and support decision-making.
- Act as the primary liaison between the finance department and project teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on project objectives.
- Support the development of project business cases, ensuring financial viability and ROI.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis:
- Prepare and present project financial performance reports to senior management and other key stakeholders.
- Analyze project performance metrics, including profitability, cash flow, return on investment (ROI), and key cost drivers.
- Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and recommendations to support project decision-making.
- Continuously review and improve project controlling processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accuracy.
- Leverage technology and financial tools (e.g., ERP systems) to streamline project financial management and reporting.
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in finance, controlling, or project management, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of project accounting, cost controlling, and financial analysis.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and project management tools.
- Skills:
- Excellent financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence non-financial stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial reporting software.
Key Competencies:
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage complexity and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- High level of integrity and commitment to financial accuracy.