Project Controller

As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network. Why you should join our team This exciting role sits at the intersection of finance, project management, and strategic decision-making. Overseeing the financial controls of capital projects ensures that resources are used efficiently, which directly impacts the success of the organization. The opportunity to develop and implement financial control programs, analyze key project performance data, and support project managers in achieving their goals adds a dynamic and analytical aspect to the role. Additionally, working in the electric utility sector is particularly interesting because of its evolving landscape, with a focus on infrastructure improvements, grid modernization, and sustainability initiatives. The Project Controls Manager manages and oversees the daily operation of the VELCO Project Controls Team, which is responsible for, estimating and financial controls of the company’s capital projects and billable engagements. Ensures the successful execution of efforts to provide key project performance data to project managers and management staff in support of company projects. Develops financial control processes and procedures to support the capital portfolio of work. Analyzes information and develops reports to company management. How you will make an impact This role has a significant impact on the company’s ability to complete capital projects efficiently and cost-effectively, ultimately supporting reliable energy delivery. By ensuring financial accountability and optimizing project performance, the Project Controls Manager helps safeguard the company’s financial health while also enabling infrastructure development that benefits communities. Additionally, by leading and mentoring a team, the role contributes to employee growth and succession planning, fostering a skilled workforce for the future. Responsibilities Supervise staff and contractors to ensure the successful performance of work in accordance with project plans and company requirements. Plan, budget, coordinate and manage work necessary to support the goals of the team and the company. Oversee and assist in the development of systems, processes and tools necessary for the success of the team and the company as a whole. Develop and implement financial control programs for VELCO’s capital projects and certain billable engagements. Support Project Managers with establishing estimates, as well as change order control and financial risk assessments. Work closely with project management to ensure that financial data is in alignment with schedule data. Monitor, maintain and analyze financial reporting processes to obtain information required to develop comprehensive financial reports. Actively lead the financial forecasting, estimating, change order and capital budgeting processes. Identify trends in spend rates, variances to forecasts/budget, and work with project managers to adjust project financial forecasts. Ensure the timely and efficient access to cost data and communicate with project managers and management on a regular basis regarding project financial performance and recovery plans, as necessary. Perform what if scenarios analysis. Lead the presentation of Project Controls reporting. Review and update Capitalization vs Expense Policy on annual basis. Ensure project costs are accurate and in compliance with FERC standards. Participate on project teams in alignment with company core behaviors. Provide outside auditors with assistance; gathers necessary account information and documents to perform annual audit. Develop dynamic reporting using the accounting software. As appropriate, recommends updates to enhance the accounting software. Oversee and assist in the development of systems and tools necessary for the success of the team and the company as a whole. Develop and lead knowledge sharing and training for the Project Controls Team; including personnel development and technical training in support of VELCO’s succession management expectations. Actively support the company’s strategic initiatives in support of the company’s mission, vision, and values. Lead employees to meet VELCO’s expectations for productivity, quality, safety and continuous improvement, while operating in accordance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Maintain understanding of personnel-related laws and regulations and internal policies and procedures sufficient to compliantly manage assigned workers. Maintain employee work schedules, including: assignments, vacations and sick time, and overtime scheduling and authorization. Ensure timecards are completed accurately, in a timely manner and in compliance with internal rules and wage and hour laws. As vacancies occur work with leadership and Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and onboard new employees. Coach, mentor and develop staff including identifying training/educational and career development opportunities. Provide effective performance feedback through the performance evaluation process and other formal and informal mechanisms, including goal setting, feedback, and performance development. When performance issues arise take appropriate disciplinary action, under the direction of leadership and Human Resources. Provide input on salary decisions in alignment with VELCO’s salary administration procedures. Who you are A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Business, or similar field is required. A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated, relevant experience with utility/technology infrastructure projects, personnel management, and/or utility finance and project accounting is required. Knowledge/Skills Superior written and verbal communication skills at all levels and operating areas. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Excellent skills with Microsoft suite. Excellent mathematical and analytic skills. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills in addition to personnel management. Solid understanding of project management practices, utility/technology infrastructure projects including expected expenditures, durations, and spend risks. Physical/Mental Demands Must be able to withstand prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk while working on a computer. Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex work, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions. Important Considerations • VELCO is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont. • This is a hybrid position and the expectation is that the incumbent will spend at least two days per week onsite and more as needed. • Must be able convey complex information in writing, verbally and by demonstration, perform typical administrative functions such as keyboarding, work additional hours when necessary. • Duties will require periodic overnight travel. • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. • Must be able to respond to off-duty calls, particularly in the event of system emergencies, prolonged equipment and/or customer outages. • Must maintain a valid driver’s license. • All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. • Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate. • Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. • VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us. • Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening. • If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please send a request to View email address on click.appcast.io