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. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit

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.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• 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

Knowledge, skills and abilities for success include:

• 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
• 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

Basic education and experience required:

• 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.

Preferred experience:

• Experience working for a manufacturing company
• Experience working with federal and state government agencies
• Experience working with external auditors and 3rd party consultant firms

We value:

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours to help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

Includes:

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

Blue Bird is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

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.

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