Project Controller

DPR Construction · Nashville, TN

On site
Full-time
$120,000 / year
Nashville, TN

Job highlights

Oversee financial integrity of large-scale projects.
Manage budgeting, cost control, reporting, and forecasting.
Lead and mentor accounting team members.
Provide strategic financial insights and risk assessments.
Collaborate with project teams and senior leadership.

About the role

Project Controller

The Project Controller plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity of large-scale ($500M+), high-impact projects. This position is responsible for overseeing budgeting, cost management, reporting, and forecasting while working in close collaboration with Project Managers, the Regional Controller, Contractors, and the Finance Team to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

In a leadership capacity, 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 in alignment with both project goals and organizational strategy.

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 in collaboration with project and client teams.
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.
Travel to various job sites and provide onsite collaboration with project team and key stakeholders approximately 2 weeks per month.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (audit/tax focus welcome).
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, capable of managing large and complex workbooks.
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. Travel locations will be defined based on region (Monroe LA, Abilene TX, Amarillo TX, Cheyenne WY, etc)

About DPR Construction

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

Financial Reporting
Cost Management
Budgeting
Forecasting
Risk Assessment
Project Accounting
Construction Accounting Systems
Microsoft Excel
Financial Analysis
Team Leadership

Skills & topics

Project Controller
Financial Management
Cost Control
Budgeting
Forecasting
Construction Accounting
Financial Reporting
Oracle EPM
Microsoft Excel
Accounting

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in operational accounting, construction, and large-scale projects. Emphasize financial acumen and Excel proficiency.
Showcase leadership: Detail your experience managing accounting teams and providing financial guidance.
Quantify achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact on budgeting, cost savings, and profitability.
Prepare for travel: Be ready to discuss your flexibility and experience working on-site at project locations.
Demonstrate analytical skills: Highlight your ability to present complex financial data and insights to senior leadership.

Technical preparation

Master advanced Excel functions for financial modeling.,Familiarize with construction accounting principles.,Study Oracle EPM or similar ERP systems.,Practice presenting complex financial data.

Behavioral questions

How do you handle conflicting priorities?,Describe a time you influenced stakeholders.,How do you mentor junior accounting staff?,Tell me about a financial risk you identified.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for a Project Controller at DPR Construction?: While specific salary figures are not disclosed, Project Controller roles at DPR Construction typically command a competitive salary commensurate with the significant responsibility of managing financials for large-scale ($500M+) projects. Compensation is often influenced by experience, location, and the specific demands of the project. DPR Construction is an employee-owned company, which may offer additional benefits beyond base salary.
What are the key qualifications for the Project Controller role at DPR Construction?: The ideal candidate for the Project Controller position at DPR Construction will possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, with at least 6 years of operational accounting experience, preferably in construction. Strong financial acumen, advanced Excel skills, and experience with construction accounting systems (like Oracle EPM) are essential. The ability to present complex financial data to senior leadership and a willingness to travel extensively (approximately two weeks per month) are also critical.
How much travel is required for the Project Controller position at DPR Construction?: The Project Controller role requires significant travel, approximately two weeks per month, to various job sites for onsite collaboration with project teams and stakeholders. These travel locations will be determined based on the project's region, with examples provided such as Monroe, LA, and Abilene, TX.
What is the company culture like at DPR Construction?: DPR Construction fosters a forward-thinking, employee-owned culture that encourages trying new things, exploring unique paths, and shaping one's future. They emphasize building opportunity together through talent, curiosity, and collective ambition. DPR is recognized as a great place to work by employees and leading publications.
What kind of projects does DPR Construction work on?: DPR Construction specializes in technically complex and sustainable projects across various markets, including advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial sectors. They are a self-performing general contractor known for handling large-scale projects.
What software or systems are important for a Project Controller at DPR Construction?: Proficiency in construction accounting systems is required. While not strictly mandatory, experience with Oracle EPM is considered a plus. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are also a key requirement for managing large and complex workbooks.
Does DPR Construction offer opportunities for career growth?: Yes, DPR Construction emphasizes building opportunity together and encourages employees to explore unique paths and shape their future. As an employee-owned company, there are often opportunities for advancement and development within various roles and projects.

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About the role

Project Controller

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 in collaboration with project and client teams.
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.
Travel to various job sites and provide onsite collaboration with project team and key stakeholders approximately 2 weeks per month.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (audit/tax focus welcome).
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, capable of managing large and complex workbooks.
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. Travel locations will be defined based on region (Monroe LA, Abilene TX, Amarillo TX, Cheyenne WY, etc)

About DPR Construction

Explore our open opportunities at www.dpr.com/careers.

Key skills/competency

Financial Reporting
Cost Management
Budgeting
Forecasting
Risk Assessment
Project Accounting
Construction Accounting Systems
Microsoft Excel
Financial Analysis
Team Leadership

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in operational accounting, construction, and large-scale projects. Emphasize financial acumen and Excel proficiency.
Showcase leadership: Detail your experience managing accounting teams and providing financial guidance.
Quantify achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact on budgeting, cost savings, and profitability.
Prepare for travel: Be ready to discuss your flexibility and experience working on-site at project locations.
Demonstrate analytical skills: Highlight your ability to present complex financial data and insights to senior leadership.

Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for a Project Controller at DPR Construction?

While specific salary figures are not disclosed, Project Controller roles at DPR Construction typically command a competitive salary commensurate with the significant responsibility of managing financials for large-scale ($500M+) projects. Compensation is often influenced by experience, location, and the specific demands of the project. DPR Construction is an employee-owned company, which may offer additional benefits beyond base salary.

What are the key qualifications for the Project Controller role at DPR Construction?

The ideal candidate for the Project Controller position at DPR Construction will possess a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, with at least 6 years of operational accounting experience, preferably in construction. Strong financial acumen, advanced Excel skills, and experience with construction accounting systems (like Oracle EPM) are essential. The ability to present complex financial data to senior leadership and a willingness to travel extensively (approximately two weeks per month) are also critical.

How much travel is required for the Project Controller position at DPR Construction?

The Project Controller role requires significant travel, approximately two weeks per month, to various job sites for onsite collaboration with project teams and stakeholders. These travel locations will be determined based on the project's region, with examples provided such as Monroe, LA, and Abilene, TX.

What is the company culture like at DPR Construction?

DPR Construction fosters a forward-thinking, employee-owned culture that encourages trying new things, exploring unique paths, and shaping one's future. They emphasize building opportunity together through talent, curiosity, and collective ambition. DPR is recognized as a great place to work by employees and leading publications.

What kind of projects does DPR Construction work on?

DPR Construction specializes in technically complex and sustainable projects across various markets, including advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial sectors. They are a self-performing general contractor known for handling large-scale projects.

What software or systems are important for a Project Controller at DPR Construction?

Proficiency in construction accounting systems is required. While not strictly mandatory, experience with Oracle EPM is considered a plus. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are also a key requirement for managing large and complex workbooks.

Does DPR Construction offer opportunities for career growth?

Yes, DPR Construction emphasizes building opportunity together and encourages employees to explore unique paths and shape their future. As an employee-owned company, there are often opportunities for advancement and development within various roles and projects.