Project Controller

Full Job Description

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Riley Engineering is a civil engineering firm specializing in water resources. Our mission is to engineer and implement solutions to provide society with water infrastructure. Riley was founded to improve people’s lives by ensuring that all have the necessary civil infrastructure to facilitate socioeconomic well-being. Our employees rally behind that mission and enjoy building the firm from the ground up together—pairing technical expertise with business acumen and a heart for helping others.

POSITION SUMMARY

Riley Engineering is seeking a detail-oriented Project Controller to support the full lifecycle of projects from setup through closeout. This role partners closely with Engineering Principals, Project Managers, and the Finance Director to ensure financial accuracy, project tracking, and operational efficiency across all projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Lifecycle Management

• Set up new projects in internal systems, including budgets, billing structures, and cost codes in BQE CORE
• Monitor project progress, budgets, and financial performance
• Track project costs, labor, and expenses against budgets
• Assist with project forecasting and updates
• Create and manage schedules in Microsoft Project
• Resource leveling across multiple projects
• Help prioritize project deliverables and manage conflicting deadlines

Financial & Billing Support

• Prepare and review client invoices in coordination with Project Managers
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and billing compliance
• Monitor accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding invoices
• Support month-end and year-end financial processes related to projects

Project Support

• Attend project meetings and track deliverables and evolving project requirements
• Prepare and process change orders, coordinating with subconsultants and the Business Manager to manage subconsultant agreements and purchase orders.
• Coordinate travel logistics for field operations, collaborating with the Fleet Manager and Project Managers to ensure field teams are equipped with appropriate vehicles, equipment, supplies, and accommodations
• Track deadlines and follow up on outstanding items

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate project financial reports and dashboards
• Analyze variances between budgeted and actual costs
• Provide insights and recommendations to Project Managers and Finance Director
• Assist in developing and improving financial tracking processes

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Act as a liaison between project teams and finance
• Support Project Managers with financial decision-making
• Help standardize project controls, workflows, and best practices
• Identify opportunities for efficiency and cost savings

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in project accounting, project controls, or financial analysis
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced skills preferred)
• Experience with accounting or project management software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience in engineering, construction, or professional services industry
• Familiarity with job costing and percentage-of-completion accounting
• Experience working with Project Managers and finance teams

WHY JOIN RILEY ENGINEERING

• Key role in supporting project success and financial performance
• Opportunity to work cross-functionally with leadership
• Growth potential within finance and operations
• Salary range: $70,000 – $120,000

WHAT WE’LL EXPECT FROM YOU

• Full-time commitment (sometimes more than 40 hours per week, depending upon deadlines).
• Live in Tucson, AZ, and work in our office in historic downtown Tucson (not eligible for remote).
• Occasional travel outside of work hours.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

• Opportunities for growth based on your interests, goals, and skills, and on company needs.
• Impact a growing firm; know that your voice will be heard, and your ideas will be considered.
• Your own office.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) per year, with additional time off with longer tenure.
• Generous health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Optional health savings account plans.
• Optional accident, critical illness, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with 5% company match.
• Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

BENEFITS

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT-BASED RESUME AND COVER LETTER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.