What does a Project Controller do?
Project controllers take ownership and accountability for the management and oversight of a project throughout its lifecycle, taking an active role in all aspects of the process. They are responsible for ensuring the project stays on track with regards to both budgets and timelines. They may serve as a liaison to coordinate the schedules and tasks of numerous internal teams, and to gather insight, approvals, and other contributions from stakeholders. They may also be involved with client relations and vendor management. They implement and organize project management programs and tools to ensure an efficient system.
Project controllers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a business or technical field, although equivalent relevant professional experience may be acceptable as a substitute. They should be proficient in project management programs, along with common office programs such as Excel. These roles require meticulous attention to detail and strong project management skills.
- Prepare schedule progress reports, trending charts and schedule analysis.
- Assist with review and development, issuance and evaluation of subcontract change orders as required for their project tracks.
- Follow-on support with accounting to ensure alignment of project forecast with current funding and billings to client.
- Collaborate and assist on alignment of cost and schedule data.
- Contribute as SME to the development of governance, processes, and training materials.
- Maintain and control budgets from design concept through to project completion.
- Provide more detailed cost reporting daily or weekly updates, as required.
- Identify and evaluate potential changes and review of contractor invoices.
- Coordinate implementation plan with project site teams and escalate areas of misalignment and improvement.
- Examine requests for budget revisions, recommend approval or denial and draft correspondence.
- Present results of cost analysis to senior staff and clients.
- Ensure alignment with the client's portfolio controls governance and objectives.
- Assist with update to projections on cash flows, staffing plans and contingency usage.
- Support the change control process, establishing the necessary forms, logs and expediting methods.
- Responsible to define the work scope and prepare overall schedules and budgets on various sized projects.
- Bachelor's Degree in business, engineering, or construction management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Comfortable overseeing complete project life cycle, including change orders.
- Basic understanding of variance analysis.
- Experience with enterprise resource planning tools and programs.
- In-depth expertise with cost estimates and cost analysis.
Project Controller Salaries
Average Base Pay
Project Controller Career Path
Learn how to become a Project Controller, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Project Controller Insights
Performance Contractors“This is great for money making but can be a burden on quality of life.”
Akebono Corporation (North America)“I worked at the engineering center in Farmington Hills Michigan and it was filled with great & educated people that I really enjoyed working with.”
AECOM“Compensation was very good and competitive.”
United Global Technologies“Pay is awesome and weekly.”
Petrofac“Great career opportunities and ability to learn about the industry”
UK Ministry of Defence“Good opportunities and experience on many projects”
RBC“Great place to work and an amazing team”
Albemarle“Good Salary and benefit packages”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Project Controller
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