Project Cost Controller

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout Company:JC Automation Corp. (JCA) was founded in 1997 with the mission of filling a gap between technology and regulatory requirements in the life science manufacturing industry. The company offers highly capable resources at an affordable cost to build solutions and execute projects in: Automation, Control Systems Integration, Information Technology, System Integration and Regulatory Compliance.JCA is a HUBZone Certified Small Business Firm, NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and Certified Critical Industry Supplier. It’s mission is to add value by delivering quality services & solutions on time all the time by transforming processes & technology into business advantages.ABOUT THE ROLEWe are looking for a financially sharp and detail-oriented Project Cost Controller to support the execution of capital projects in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

In this role, you will serve as the financial backbone of a complex, multi-disciplinary project — tracking budgets, forecasting costs, and providing real-time financial visibility to project leadership.You will work closely with Engineering, Procurement, and Site Management teams to ensure that spending aligns with physical progress, that risks are flagged early, and that all financial documentation meets corporate and regulatory standards. This is a high-visibility role that requires both analytical precision and the ability to communicate clearly in a fast-paced, regulated setting.RESPONSIBILITIESBudget Management: Track, analyze, and manage capital project budgets, ensuring all engineering and installation activities align with approved funding and financial baselines.Forecasting & Variance Analysis: Perform monthly cost forecasting and variance analysis to identify financial risks early, providing actionable insights to the Project Management team.PO & Invoice Tracking: Oversee the lifecycle of Purchase Orders (POs) and track vendor invoice processing, ensuring accurate cost accruals and timely payments.Financial Reporting: Prepare and present detailed financial reports, cash flow projections, and cost-to-complete (CTC) estimates for project leadership and stakeholders.Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, and Site Management to validate that project physical progress aligns with financial expenditures.ERP System Utilization: Leverage corporate financial systems (e.g., SAP or similar ERPs) to monitor expenditures, extract data, and maintain accurate project financial databases.Compliance & Auditing: Ensure all financial tracking and documentation strictly adhere to corporate accounting policies, SOX compliance, and pharmaceutical industry auditing standards.Change Management Support: Assist in evaluating and financially quantifying project Change Orders, adjusting forecasts and budgets accordingly.REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum 3 years of experience in project cost control or financial project management, preferably within a regulated or capital-intensive industry.Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms for financial tracking and reporting.Demonstrated experience developing cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and variance analyses for capital projects.Strong understanding of Purchase Order lifecycle, invoice management, and cost accrual processes.Bilingual in English and Spanish (oral and written).PreferredExperience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences capital project environments.Familiarity with SOX compliance and pharmaceutical industry auditing requirements.PMP or equivalent project management certification.Experience working with change order evaluation and budget impact analysis.SKILLSTechnical SkillsCapital project cost tracking and budget managementERP systems — SAP, Oracle, or equivalentCash flow development and cost-to-complete (CTC) forecastingVariance analysis and financial reportingPurchase Order and invoice lifecycle managementChange Order financial quantificationSOX compliance and audit documentationMicrosoft Office 365 — Excel (advanced), PowerPoint, Word, TeamsSoft SkillsHigh attention to detail and commitment to numerical accuracyClear communication of complex financial data to non-financial stakeholdersProactive risk identification and early escalationStrong organizational and time management skillsCollaborative and adaptable in cross-functional project environmentsAccountability and ownership of financial deliverables