R&D Project Controller; NETL

Mission

Waséyabek Federal Services, LLC (WFS) is a 100% Tribally owned, Native American SBA 8(a) small business of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). WFS is part of a portfolio of companies managed by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, a 100% Tribally owned economic development firm focused on income diversification on behalf of NHBP that reaches beyond gaming and is a well‑funded, experienced small business, with substantial liquid assets and experience in federal contracting.

WFS has borrowing capacity to meet the daily cash needs of new business development, new award support, and operational working capital. WFS is well‑versed in federal contract compliance and provides outstanding support services

The R&D Project Controller will primarily act as a liaison between the WFS R&D Support Team, their subcontractors, the WFS Business Office and several individuals within DOE to ensure work is prioritized and adequately funded to improve the likelihood of successfully reaching key R&D milestones while fostering effective communication and collaboration across all parties. The Controller reports to the WFS R&D Support Manager daily but also works closely with the WFS Business Manager to ensure consistent and accurate invoicing.

The Controller will work closely with the WFS R&D Support Team to gather cost data and discuss financial insight while validating customer‑facing data.

• Responsible for recording all financial transactions within R&D. This includes funds allocated, spent, planned, and remaining by project (funding source).
• Responsible for building and maintaining interactive dashboards and/or spreadsheets that display financial information
• Establish a productive relationship with federal project managers where short and long‑term research and funding needs are communicated freely
• Participate in both weekly and monthly team meetings to discuss budget and schedule status
• Provide ad hoc financial reports
• Track work execution to ensure costs are within budget
• Develop tools to get accurate cost data to R&D Support members to improve project execution
• Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency
• Assist with review and implement changes to internal accounting controls as needed
• Coordinate, develop and maintain the annual R&D operating budget
• Review R&D invoices against expected purchase amounts
• Regularly review payroll and expense reimbursement against planned amounts
• Supply all information requested by external auditors
• Train project managers and team members on financial best practices, budgeting tools and cost control methods.
• Assist with developing new or alternate resources for completing work.
• Identify and train a back‑up(s) to manage key tasks when absent.
• Additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as directed by the R&D Support Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or engineering is required
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as Controller or similar function
• Exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to analyze reports, identify issues, and forecast costs.
• Have a willingness and ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Have the knowledge to understand and help resolve technical challenges and risks within R&D projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to explain financial data to various stakeholders, including project managers and representatives from both federal agencies and contracting organizations.
• Strong presentations skills and the ability to build strong, cooperative relationships with team members.
• Proficiency with financial and business intelligence software, especially Microsoft Excel, Power BI and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
• Ability to quickly adapt focus, adjust schedule and problem solve to meet evolving work demands and needs of supervisor and other stakeholders.
• Be a highly resourceful team‑player, with the ability to also work independently and balance multiple competing priorities and tasks.
• Take full responsibility of…