Accounting/Finance - Project Control Specialist

Job Posting Title: Senior Project Control Specialist
Contract: 12 months
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 or Madison, WI 53718
Prefer candidates to be local to either Cedar Rapids, IA or Madison, WI office but will accept remote for the right candidate.
JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Project Control Specialist is responsible for the implementation and execution of all Project Controls related work on strategic Information Technology (IT) projects. Responsible for the scheduling and cost functions of the project from the planning phase through to final project close-out. This includes, but is not limited to, project progress measurement, schedule analysis, cost forecasting, preparation and input of updated cash flow forecasts, and for contract oversight and administration as needed.
ACCOUNTABILITIES These accountabilities are not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities and does not limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees assigned to this job.
Primary Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Interfaces and supports the Project Management and department teams on all items related to the execution of the project and/or program.
• Acts as the lead resource (subject matter expert) on all Project Controls related items, including compliance with project specific contractual/commercial terms.
• Prepares and maintains a detailed project estimate and ongoing forecast. Ensures the forecast reflects current assessed risks, pending change orders, and contingency. Maintains an accurate monthly cashflow forecast. Monitors and provides early identification and communication of cost performance related to approved amounts from internal and external entities. Perform routine project cost duties such as invoice review and approval, ad-hoc reporting, etc.
• Maintain the project risk register, acting as the primary resource on the project team for identifying risks, valuating risk, and ensuring adequate contingency is held in the project forecast.
• Review change order requests, including scope, pricing, and contractual entitlement. Incorporate approved change order requests into the project cost forecast.
• Interfaces and coordinates with corporate accounting and finance to ensure compliance with company procedures. Provides a monthly updated cost report to review with Project leadership.
• Builds and maintains a detailed Owner’s schedule.
• Performs routine (weekly/bi-weekly) reviews of contractor schedule submittals. Validates accuracy of schedule progress, forecasts, durations, logic ties, etc. Monitors compliance with contractual dates. Provides prompt feedback to contractor of any deficiencies.
• Advises the project team of areas where performance indicates concern and recommend solutions.
• Monitors leading indicators of project risks and communicate to project team, as well as work to resolve the issue.
• Interfaces as necessary with vendors, contractors, suppliers, and other service providers to ensure accuracy of cost and schedule data
• Performs work under the supervision of a Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the experience, knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform this job.
Required - Bachelor's Degree Emphasis in computer science, technical, engineering, project management or related area
Preferred - Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 15+ years of experience as a Project Manager/Project Controls for large scale IT/Software projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Project scheduling software. Ability to identify and analyze schedule critical path and near-critical paths. Experience with other scheduling software, such as Oracle Primavera P6, is preferred but not required.
• Experience in both Waterfall and Agile IT software project methodologies.
• Experience with an Earned Value Management System to measure project progress and performance.
• Demonstrated experience of performing projects under rigorous commercial contracts. Ability to comprehend and enforce all commercial terms and conditions.
• Ability to analyze problems of moderate to complex nature and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, initiative and commitment in an environment of rapid change.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Knowledge of utility operations, distribution management software systems (DMS), and distributed energy resource management software systems (DERMS) preferred but not required.
• Ability to interpret contract terms and apply them to different scenarios to determine entitlements during project execution, and the ability to negotiate change orders.
• Understanding of corporate financial reporting requirements. Ability to work with accounting and finance departments to determine accounting treatments. Understanding of cash-based and accrual-based accounting.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive work environment.