Project Controller

About Blue Bird Corporation 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 www.blue-bird.com. Job Summary 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 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 guidelinesSubmit invoices, expense reports, monthly/quarterly reports and other documents to federal agencies in a timely mannerSupport 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 smoothlyImplement 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 regularlyGenerate comprehensive reports on project performance, financial status, and potential risks or deviations from the plan/budgetFacilitate project financial reviews, audits and ensure adherence to applicable accounting principlesPerform other related duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills And Abilities For Success Experience with budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling; project managementAbility to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide variety of stakeholdersAbility to reconcile large data sets and intermediate to advanced level skills in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence reporting toolsIntermediate to Advanced skills in Excel; BI reporting tools; ability to reconcile and present complex data and collaborate cross-functionallyAbility to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentMust be organized and detail-orientedStrong analytical skills with the ability to thrive in a team-based environmentExcellent written and verbal communications skillsBuild and maintain strong relationships with internal customersContinuously 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 preferred5+ years of experience in a project controller, FP&A, manufacturing finance or corporate finance rolesAll 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 companyExperience working with federal and state government agenciesExperience working with external auditors and 3rd party consultant firms WE VALUE Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidanceExcellent 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 stakeholdersEffective 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 DevelopmentBenefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matchingThe specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 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. LI-Onsite