Project Controller

Project Controller

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world 25 million children twice a day making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Finance; this role is responsible for controlling the budget and spend for building a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, GA. Key responsibilities include managing project finances, tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring expenditures; submitting invoices, reports and financial documents to federal agencies in a timely manner; maintaining project cost records; reporting financial performance and progress to key stakeholders; presenting project updates and financial insights to management; facilitating project related financial reviews and audits; supporting cost reduction initiatives and annual forecasts/AOP.

Manage project finances by tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring project-related expenditures and transactions (purchase requisitions, invoices, etc.); maintaining financial records; and ensuring financial compliance with organizational and federal guidelines. Submit invoices, expense reports, monthly/quarterly reports and other documents to federal agencies in a timely manner. Support the project team in identifying potential risks that may impact project timeline or budget and work with the team in developing strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly. Implement robust tracking mechanisms to monitor project progress and milestones from a financial perspective; Communicate project health and financial performance against budget to all key stakeholders regularly. Generate comprehensive reports on project performance, financial status, and potential risks or deviations from the plan/budget. Facilitate project financial reviews, audits and ensure adherence to applicable accounting principles. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience with budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling; project management Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide variety of stakeholders Ability to reconcile large data sets and intermediate to advanced level skills in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence reporting tools Intermediate to Advanced skills in Excel; BI reporting tools; ability to reconcile and present complex data and collaborate cross-functionally Ability to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Must be organized and detail-oriented Strong analytical skills with the ability to thrive in a team-based environment Excellent written and verbal communications skills Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers Continuously perform to high ethical standards and those established from an Internal Controls/Legal perspective.

Bachelor's degree in business (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field); MBA preferred 5+ years of experience in a project controller, FP&A, manufacturing finance or corporate finance roles All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.