Project Controller in London

Project Controller in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Smart Recruiters

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage project finances from bid to close, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
  • Company: Join a leading firm focused on innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects that make a meaningful impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project finance and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

The Project Controller provides independent financial management of projects from bid to close. Sitting within Finance and working closely with Operations, the role works alongside Project Managers and Contract Managers to ensure the projects comply with group standards regarding financial performance, accurate and timely reporting, forecasting, and risk management across the full project lifecycle.

01 · Bid

  • Help the Bid Manager build the cost model and assess financial viability.
  • Review risks and opportunities; support the Go / No Go decision.

02 · Project Set-Up

  • Attend the handover from bid to execution team; review the contract's financial terms.
  • Confirm the appropriate revenue recognition method for the contract type.
  • Set up the project, billing plan, and revenue schedule in the ERP system.
  • Issue advance payment invoices; arrange performance and advance payment bonds.
  • Input and validate the initial financial forecast; present to management.

03 · Delivery — Ongoing

  • Lead the financial review at project progress meetings (at least quarterly).
  • Analyse actuals against forecast; explain variances; update cost-to-complete.
  • Review risks and opportunities with the PM; adjust contingencies as the project matures.
  • Optimise billing milestones to improve cash timing.
  • Prepare and issue customer invoices; chase overdue payments; agree recovery actions with PM.
  • Run month-end close: time bookings, intercompany transactions, cost accruals, revenue reconciliations.
  • Monitor bonds and guarantees; request releases as milestones are met.
  • Support tax queries and respond to audit requests.

04 · Close-Out

  • Verify the project closing checklist; confirm final financial settlement with the customer.
  • Close purchase orders, booking codes, and remaining bonds; confirm insurance cancellation.
  • Ensure all revenue is invoiced and collected with no residual balances.
  • Participate in the lessons-learned review.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

  • Project Manager — day-to-day delivery partner on all project financial matters.
  • Contract Manager — day-to-day delivery partner on all project commercial matters.
  • Project Sponsor / Business Leader — accountable for project performance; approves forecasts.
  • Finance Manager — direct line; validates forecasts and provides escalation route.
  • Shared Services — ERP transactions, customer set-up, invoice issuance.
  • Regional Treasury — bond management, cash flow, payment instruments.
  • Legal, Insurance & Tax — contract compliance, insurance coverage, cross-border tax queries.

Qualifications

  • Project finance experience.
  • Engineering, consulting, or professional services background preferred.
  • Contract literacy; comfortable with billing structures, revenue recognition terms, and risk allocation.
  • Analytical rigour; confident with forecasts, variance analysis, and large datasets, extracts insights from complex datasets, and proposes appropriate solutions.
  • Organisation under pressure; manages multiple projects concurrently against hard month-end deadlines, with focus effort on value-adding activities.
  • Independent judgement; makes sound financial calls without close supervision.
  • Communication & influence; able to present financial information clearly and directly to operational teams, management, and external auditors.
  • Systems proficiency; ERP project finance modules and Excel; Power BI or equivalent an advantage.

Additional Information

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to work on high-profile, nationally significant projects.
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with strong technical depth.
  • The ability to shape and grow a key capability area.
  • A clear path for career progression.
  • A culture focused on innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Egis is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We at EGIS are an Equal Opportunities employer and we recognise the value of a Diverse Organisation. EGIS appreciates all job applications. If you decide to apply for an opportunity at EGIS, your application will be assessed based purely on your experience, the essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role. We value each and everyone’s contribution as this builds our culture and means, if you work for EGIS, you will be included, listened to, and respected.

Project Controller in London employer: Smart Recruiters

Evelyn Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and a generous holiday package. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and collaboration, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported in their roles. With opportunities for hybrid working and a commitment to continuous development, we empower our associates to build meaningful client relationships while achieving their career aspirations in the heart of the financial sector.

Smart Recruiters

Contact Details:

Smart Recruiters Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Controller in London

Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks

The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!

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Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Smart Recruiters. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!

Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise

Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Smart Recruiters.

Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites

Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Smart Recruiters. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Controller in London

Financial Management
Cost Modelling
Risk Assessment
Revenue Recognition
ERP Systems
Billing Structures
Variance Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.

Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Smart Recruiters and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!

Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.

Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Smart Recruiters how you can be a team player!

How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Recruiters

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!

Showcase Your Financial Acumen

If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Smart Recruiters.

Know Your Numbers

In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.

Connect with Company Goals

Familiarise yourself with Smart Recruiters's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!