Project Controller
DPR Construction · Austin, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- Austin, TX
Job highlights
- Oversee finances for large-scale construction projects.
- Manage budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
- Lead and mentor a Project Accountant team.
- Provide strategic financial insights and risk assessment.
- Requires travel to job sites regularly.
About the role
Project Controller
The Project Controller plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity of large-scale ($500M+) projects. This position oversees budgeting, cost management, reporting, and forecasting in collaboration with Project Managers, the Regional Controller, Contractors, and the Finance Team. The Project Controller manages and mentors Project Accountant(s), guiding accounting administration, cost tracking, audit support, and compliance. The role requires providing strategic financial insights, anticipating risks, and supporting profitability objectives.Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Partner with Project Accountant(s), Business Unit Leader (BUL), and Regional Controller (RC) as a key strategic advisor.
- Provide timely and accurate financial reporting and forecasting, including risk and opportunity assessments.
- Support the annual 3-Year Business Planning process.
- Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Project Controls & Analysis
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all financial matters with the Project Team, Regional Controller, and Family of Companies.
- Lead monthly performance reviews (MSR) and conduct fee analysis.
- Prepare and deliver executive-level performance summaries and forecasts to leadership.
- Monitor insurance programs, labor productivity, and cost structures; communicate financial impacts to leadership.
- Ensure accurate project setup, including cost codes and rate structures.
- Track stored materials, OFCI equipment, and insurance-related documentation.
- Oversee risk, reserves, incentives, and savings analysis for the project.
Operational Excellence
- Manage cash flow and collections, implementing corrective actions when required.
- Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely follow-up and documentation.
- Provide financial support in subcontractor default situations.
- Collaborate with the Self-Perform Controller and other internal stakeholders.
- Produce ad hoc and specialized financial reports as needed.
Team Leadership
- Supervise, mentor, and develop Project Accountant(s), setting performance expectations, and fostering a high-performance culture.
- Provide expert guidance on complex financial matters and promote proactive problem-solving.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
- Minimum 6+ years in operational accounting, preferably within the construction or advanced manufacturing industry.
- Strong understanding of contractual, legal, and commercial terms for large-scale projects.
- Demonstrated financial acumen in equipment utilization, capital decisions, and profitability analysis.
- Proficient in construction accounting systems; Oracle EPM experience is a plus.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Experience presenting consolidated project financials to senior leadership.
- Strong organizational skills and a proactive, analytical mindset.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to travel approximately two weeks per month for onsite collaboration required.
Company Overview
DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world. Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together—by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek. Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers. Key skills/competency- Project Controller
- Financial Integrity
- Budgeting
- Cost Management
- Financial Reporting
- Forecasting
- Risk Assessment
- Construction Accounting
- Oracle EPM
- Microsoft Excel
Skills & topics
- Project Controller
- Construction Accounting
- Financial Reporting
- Cost Management
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Financial Analysis
- Oracle EPM
- Microsoft Excel
- Project Management Finance
- Accounting
- Finance
- Leadership
- Audit
- Compliance
- Cash Flow Management
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 6+ years of operational accounting experience, construction industry background, and proficiency in Oracle EPM and advanced Excel.
- Showcase financial acumen: Emphasize your experience with large-scale projects ($500M+), contractual terms, profitability analysis, and presenting financials to senior leadership.
- Demonstrate leadership skills: Provide examples of mentoring accounting teams and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Prepare for travel: Be ready to discuss your ability to travel approximately two weeks per month for onsite collaboration.
- Research DPR Construction: Understand their focus on technically complex, sustainable projects and their employee-owned culture.
Technical preparation
Master advanced Excel functions for complex analysis.,Familiarize yourself with Oracle EPM functionalities.,Review construction accounting principles and practices.,Practice setting up project cost codes and rates.
Behavioral questions
Describe managing complex financial reporting.,How do you mentor junior accounting staff?,Share an experience resolving financial discrepancies.,How do you handle project financial risks?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key financial responsibilities for a Project Controller at DPR Construction?
- As a Project Controller at DPR Construction, your key responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, cost management, financial reporting, and forecasting for large-scale projects (over $500M). You will also manage cash flow, collections, and provide financial insights to support project profitability and organizational strategy.
- What specific construction accounting systems or software experience is preferred for this Project Controller role?
- Proficiency in construction accounting systems is required. Experience with Oracle EPM is a plus, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills are essential for managing large and complex workbooks. Demonstrating expertise in these areas will strengthen your application.
- How much travel is expected for the Project Controller position at DPR Construction?
- The Project Controller role requires travel to various job sites for onsite collaboration with project teams and stakeholders approximately two weeks per month. Travel locations will be defined based on the region, including areas like Monroe LA, Abilene TX, Amarillo TX, and Cheyenne WY.
- What kind of leadership and team management is involved in the Project Controller role?
- The Project Controller is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and developing Project Accountant(s). This includes setting performance expectations, fostering a high-performance culture, and providing expert guidance on complex financial matters and problem-solving.
- What qualifications are essential for a Project Controller candidate at DPR Construction?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, a minimum of 6 years in operational accounting (preferably in construction), strong understanding of contractual terms for large projects, financial acumen, and excellent communication and organizational skills. The ability to travel is also a key requirement.
- How does DPR Construction support professional growth for its Project Controllers?
- DPR Construction fosters an environment where you can explore unique paths and shape your future. As a Project Controller, you'll have opportunities to lead strategic financial initiatives, mentor a team, and gain experience on technically complex projects, contributing to your professional development.
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