The Project Controller provides independent financial management of projects, from the bidding phase through to project closeout. As part of the Finance function and working closely with Operations, the Project Controller collaborates with Project Managers and Contract Managers to ensure compliance with the group's standards regarding financial performance, accurate and timely reporting, forecasting, and risk management throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Main Responsibilities
01 · Bid Phase
- Support the Bid Manager in developing the cost model and assessing financial feasibility.
- Review risks and opportunities and support the Go/No-Go decision-making process.
02 · Project Start-Up
- Participate in transferring the project from the bid team to the execution team and review the contract’s financial terms.
- Confirm the appropriate revenue recognition method based on the contract type.
- Set up the project, billing plan, and revenue schedule in the ERP system.
- Issue advance payment invoices and manage performance bonds and advance payment guarantees.
- Enter and validate the initial financial forecast and present it to management.
03 · Project Execution and Monitoring
- Lead financial reviews during project monitoring meetings (at least quarterly).
- Analyze actual results against forecasts, explain variances, and update the estimated cost to complete.
- Review risks and opportunities with the Project Manager (PM) and adjust contingencies as the project evolves.
- Optimize billing milestones to improve cash flow.
- Prepare and issue invoices, follow up on outstanding receivables, and agree on recovery actions with the PM.
- Manage month-end closing activities, including timesheet allocations, intercompany transactions, cost provisions, and revenue reconciliations.
- Monitor bonds and guarantees and request their release when appropriate.
- Support tax-related inquiries and respond to audit requirements.
04 · Project Closeout
- Verify the project closeout checklist and confirm final financial settlement with the customer.
- Close purchase orders, cost allocation codes, and outstanding guarantees, and confirm the cancellation of insurance policies.
- Ensure that all revenue has been invoiced and collected, with no residual balances remaining.
- Participate in lessons learned reviews.
Key Working Relationships
Project Manager: Primary partner for all project financial matters.
Contract Manager: Primary partner for all commercial aspects of the project.
Project Sponsor / Business Leader: Responsible for overall project performance and approval of forecasts.
Finance Manager: Direct line manager; responsible for validating forecasts and serving as the escalation point for financial matters.
Shared Services: Responsible for ERP transaction processing, customer onboarding, and invoice issuance.
Regional Treasury: Responsible for managing guarantees and bonds, cash flow, and payment instruments.
Legal, Insurance, and Tax Teams: Provide support on contractual compliance, insurance coverage, and international tax-related matters.