Project Controller

Full Desk Recruiter | Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting

Division: Finance / PMO

Reports To: VP, Programs

Location: Confidential – U.S.

-Based

Our client, a U.S.

-based defense-focused manufacturer, is seeking an experienced PMO Controller to support a portfolio of complex government programs. This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining the governance framework for the Program Management Office (PMO), with a strong emphasis on financial control, program performance, compliance, and enterprise-level reporting. The PMO Controller provides executive leadership with a consolidated, transparent view of program health, risks, and financial status across the portfolio.

Program Financial Control and Reporting

• Develop, implement, and manage standardized financial tracking and reporting procedures across all programs, including EVMS and Cost Performance Reports.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to ensure adherence to approved funding.
• Conduct financial reviews and audits of control accounts and work packages.
• Prepare and present portfolio-wide performance reports, metrics, and KPIs to internal leadership and external stakeholders as needed.

Governance and Compliance

• Establish PMO methodologies, standards, tools, and templates to ensure consistency across programs.
• Ensure compliance with DFARS, CAS, and contract-specific regulatory requirements.
• Manage governance structures including program reviews, steering committees, and gate reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement using industry best practices such as CMMI and ISO standards.

Risk and Change Management

• Oversee portfolio-level risk and opportunity management, ensuring visibility of all risks, mitigations, and impacts.
• Manage the formal change control process for scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ensure all baseline changes are evaluated, approved, documented, and communicated.

Resource and Portfolio Management

• Partner with functional leaders to optimize resource allocation across the program portfolio.
• Maintain a master integrated schedule across programs, identifying dependencies and critical path requirements.

Leadership and Mentorship

• Serve as a subject matter expert for program managers on control processes, compliance, EVM, and financial management.
• Train and mentor PMO and program staff on PMO standards and tools.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in PMO, program management, or finance/controller roles, with at least 5 years in the Defense or Aerospace industry.
• PMP, PgMP, EVM certification, or relevant financial credentials preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management on major government programs.
• Strong understanding of government contracting requirements.
• Advanced proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera.
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
• Experience with Power BI or similar analytics tools, and major ERP systems.
• Proven ability to influence and drive results within matrixed and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical skills, business acumen, and ability to assess key business metrics at an enterprise level.

• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and governance capabilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to navigate and influence within a complex, matrixed environment.

• Travel up to 50 percent.
• Position requires eligibility for access to sensitive U.S. government information (NOFORN). Proof of U.S. citizenship is required. Dual citizenship is not permitted.

• Associate

• Full-time

• Finance
• Defense and Space Manufacturing and Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing