project controller.

Your duties vary depending on the industry you work in, but your typical duties include:
 

• reviewing project schedules and budgets: as a project controller, you work closely with project managers to create a work schedule for the project. With your finance and accounting knowledge, you provide advice on budgeting and resource allocation for the project. You review budgets created for the projects and offer advice on areas of improvement.
• monitoring project progress: aside from assisting with the creation of budgets and work schedules, you monitor the progress of the projects. Your job is to ensure the project team sticks to the schedule and budget. That includes identifying problems that may occur in the future and providing recommendations.
• communicating with suppliers: as a project controller, you supervise suppliers and other vendors. Your job is to ensure they meet their contractual obligations by supplying raw materials on time. You also ensure suppliers are paid on time to avoid delays.
• preparing reports on project status: as a project controller, you prepare reports on the project’s progress and finances. You create the reports and provide regular updates on the project’s status to team members, executives and key stakeholders. You update the company's project management software with details of the progress made.
• managing all accounting aspects of projects: as a project controller, you have a background in accounting. Hence, you manage all the project accounting tasks. You bill clients for services and prepare financial statements associated with the projects.
   

A project controller typically works in an office. However, it is possible to work remotely as long as you're committed to staying in communication with the project manager and other team members. This job usually doesn't require travel. However, depending on the project, it's a possibility, especially if many offices are working together and the project's home base isn't local.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include project managers, estimators and quantity surveyors. You might also be working in close proximity to site managers and project engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, operations managers, site administrators and project coordinators.

Project controllers typically work a full-time schedule on weekdays during standard office hours. However, if a project is falling behind schedule or there’s a significant issue regarding a financial matter, you may go to the office. Sometimes, you go to the job site to determine the scope of the issue and what can be done to rectify the situation.

You also go to the office during atypical hours, such as on weekends, if the project has an exceptionally tight deadline. This ensures everyone works together to complete the project by its anticipated completion date.

Considering how integral project controllers are to getting projects done on time and below budget, there's an excellent chance of a positive job outlook. However, the need for project controllers varies between industries, such as construction, mining or technology, and how well each industry is doing. You also have numerous opportunities for career progression. For instance, you can become a project manager or progress to higher roles like head of operations or head of finance.

Finding your project controller job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
 

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a project controller is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

As a project controller, you work with the project team to ensure projects are successful. You work closely with project managers to identify goals and maintain budgets and work schedules. You also manage the finances of projects.

As a project controller, you earn an average salary of $115,120 annually. Your earnings fluctuate based on your experience and educational qualifications. In an entry-level role, you earn $93,638 per year, while in senior roles, you earn $146,897 annually.

A project controller works alongside a project manager. Since project control is a subset of project management, the roles are at the same level in the organisation's hierarchy. However, a project controller focuses on the finances and work schedule, while a project manager is more interested in the entire project as a whole.

If you have good financial acumen, working as a project controller is a fulfilling career. You play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of projects. The role also has promising remuneration packages.

You need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in your field of interest to become a project controller in Australia. Complete a degree in business administration or finance. Most employers are also keen on previous work experience and your specific skills.

Applying for a project controller job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.