Project Controller

Project Controller

We are seeking an experienced Project Controller to support the successful delivery of a major alternative delivery transportation project within the Nashville metropolitan area. This position serves as the financial and project controls lead, partnering closely with the Project Director, the Utility Project Manager, the Design Manager, and executive leadership to ensure effective cost management, forecasting, risk monitoring, contract compliance, and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting large-scale transportation infrastructure projects utilizing Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor, Public-Private Partnership, or other alternative delivery methods. Experience with highway, bridge, transit, managed lanes, interchange, or multimodal transportation projects is strongly preferred.

Financial Management & Controls

• Develop, maintain, and oversee project budgets from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Establish and manage project cost control systems and reporting processes.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, accruals, earned value, and cash flow.
• Prepare monthly cost forecasts and estimate-at-completion (EAC) analyses.
• Identify and communicate budget variances, trends, and potential cost overruns.
• Support annual business planning and project financial forecasting activities.
• Coordinate with corporate accounting teams regarding revenue recognition, invoicing, collections, and financial reporting.

Project Controls & Reporting

• Develop project dashboards, KPIs, and executive-level reporting packages.
• Track project performance against budget, schedule, scope, and contractual requirements.
• Support earned value management (EVM) and productivity analysis efforts.
• Maintain cost-loaded schedules and financial integration with project management systems.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports for project leadership, clients, and stakeholders.

Contract Administration

• Review owner contracts, subcontracts, task orders, and amendments for commercial compliance.
• Monitor contract budgets, funding authorizations, contingency utilization, and change orders.
• Manage project billing, payment applications, and client invoicing.
• Support claims avoidance, contract risk assessment, and dispute resolution activities.
• Ensure compliance with owner requirements, procurement regulations, and project controls procedures.

Change Management

• Lead financial review and tracking of change orders, supplemental agreements, and scope modifications.
• Evaluate cost and schedule impacts associated with proposed changes.
• Coordinate pricing reviews with project managers, estimators, and discipline leaders.
• Maintain detailed change logs and contingency tracking reports.

Risk Management

• Participate in project risk workshops and quantitative risk assessments.
• Identify emerging financial and operational risks.
• Monitor risk mitigation actions and contingency drawdowns.
• Support development of risk-adjusted forecasts.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with project executives, transportation clients, design teams, contractors, and joint venture partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to project leadership regarding financial performance, scope, and schedule.
• Support executive decision-making through timely and accurate reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration or other related field.
• 5+ years of experience in project controls, project accounting, financial management, or project controller roles.
• 5+ years supporting transportation infrastructure projects.
• Experience with alternative delivery projects including Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMGC, or P3 delivery methods.
• Experience working with DOT clients, toll authorities, transit agencies, or local governments preferred.
• Experience with Primavera P6 (preferred), Deltek Ajera, Microsoft Power BI, Microsoft Excel (advanced financial modeling), project management and cost-control software platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Cost Professional (CCP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• CPA or MBA
• Experience supporting Tennessee transportation projects
• Experience working in a joint venture environment

Key Competencies

• Financial analysis and forecasting
• Cost management and budgeting
• Contract administration
• Risk management
• Executive reporting
• Change management
• Negotiation and problem solving
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary project environment

Performance Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Forecast accuracy within established thresholds.
• Timely and accurate client invoicing.
• Effective management of project contingency and risk exposure.
• Reduction of unapproved budget variances.
• Timely processing of change orders and contract modifications.
• Delivery of monthly reporting packages that meet executive and client requirements.
• Maintenance of strong project margins and cash flow performance.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Project Director

This role is ideal for a project controls professional who can bridge finance, project management, and commercial operations to protect profitability and drive successful delivery of a large, high-profile transportation infrastructure program in the Nashville region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance bonus opportunities
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, HSA and wellness benefits including an EAP program
• Paid Time Off that increases with tenure
• Professional development and PE licensure support
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• Company apparel
• Sam's Club or Costco membership
• Employee Assistance Program