Project Controller Manager in London

ALTEN, an engineering and technology consultancy, is a leading Engineering and IT consultancy operating across 30 countries, making waves in all sectors: Aeronautics, Space, Defence, Security and Naval, Automotive, Rail and mobility, Energy and environment, Life Sciences and health, Industrial Equipment and electronics, Telecoms, Banking, Finance & Insurance, Retail, Services & Medias, Public Services & Government. With a team of passionate, diligent, and agile engineers, we are united by a common purpose: building tomorrow’s world today. Day by day, we support customers' development strategies as well as their technological and sustainability transformation.

The UK Project Controlling manager ensures financial performance, governance, and data integrity across the UK group’s engineering or IT Work Packages or Fixed Price projects. Operating in a dual-system environment (ERP for financials + operational project reporting system), the role is accountable for reconciling data between systems, maintaining accuracy, and driving automation. The position also manages a small international team of controllers and serves as a key business partner to Technical Direction, Division Directors, and Finance.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Provide ad-hoc analysis on performance, to delivery team and UK leadership team.
  • Produce monthly project and portfolio performance reviews for the UK leadership team and Alten group.
  • Ensure forecasts reflect realistic delivery plans, resource assumptions, and subcontractor usage.
  • Automate reporting and forecasting using Power BI, Power Query, Python, SQL, or similar tools.
  • Own the processes of setup of semester targets on which the performance management system is based.
  • Improve system interfaces and drive digitization of project controlling processes.
  • Support group-level initiatives around data governance, process harmonization, tool upgrade and automation.
• Cost Control & Profitability Management
  • Track labor costs, resource allocation, subcontractor expenses, and procurement vs. budget.
  • Analyse margin erosion, scope deviations, delivery inefficiencies, and rate card application.
  • Recommend corrective actions and partner with project managers to implement improvement plans.
• Revenue Recognition, Compliance & data accuracy
  • Apply IFRS 15 for long-term engineering and IT projects.
  • Validate WIP, accruals, deferrals, and revenue recognition created in the ERP.
  • Coordinate with the financial controlling teams and support internal/external audits.
  • Ensure consistency and alignment between data sourced from the ERP and operational project system.
  • Ensure correct project setup across both the ERP and operational project system.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Manage and coach a team of 2 project controllers in the UK and 1 junior controller in Porto.
  • Organize workload, priorities, and deadlines across the team.
  • Develop team skills in financial analysis, data management, BI tools, and project governance.
  • Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

These duties should be carried out with the following mindset: A high level of interaction and collaboration with Business, Technical Direction, and support functions (Finance/Sales, Quality, etc.). A global, pragmatic, and simplified approach, challenging current processes with the aim of rationalization.

Required Education and Experience:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 5–7+ years’ experience in project controlling within engineering/IT consulting/professional services.
• Experience in multi-system environments and data reconciliation processes.
• Team leadership or mentoring experience is a strong asset.

Required Skills

• Excellent financial analysis and business partnering skills.
• ERP knowledge.
• Advanced Excel; proficiency with Power BI or modern BI tools.
• Solid understanding of data models, ETL processes, and automation.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Rigor, structure, and attention to detail.

Note: Other duties may be assigned from time to time.

What do we offer

• Company benefits including Private Medical Healthcare, Life Insurance and Travel Insurance.
• Pension scheme with company contributions up to 6%.
• Wellness 24/7 Confidential employee assistance program.
• Social – Breakfast Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays and Pizza on the last Thursday of each month.

Any doubts? Studies have shown groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we are looking for. As an equal-opportunity employer, we do not discriminate based on any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.

We're inviting candidates with 5-10 years of relevant experience to apply for this role. Please see our other openings for roles requiring 0-5 years and 10+ years experience.