what is a project controller?
As a project controller, you ensure a project progresses according to plan. Project controllers work with project managers to ensure each project runs smoothly. Once you understand the goals of a project, you develop a financial plan and schedule and monitor them throughout the duration.
If a project deviates from the initial plan, you offer guidance on how to get it back on track. It’s primarily an advisory role yet an essential one that helps ensure both scheduling and finances go as expected.
Project controllers work in various industries, and it's typically advisable to have some knowledge about the industry in which you're involved. For instance, if you work in mining or construction, being knowledgeable about these industries and how they operate is recommended.
Although being a project controller is an advisory role, you require various skills to perform your tasks. Finance knowledge is vital, and you should also know how to use various computer programs that allow you to track and monitor the finances and schedules of the project. You should also be capable of completing budgets and reports. Clear written and verbal communication skills are also necessary to properly express your findings.
view jobsaverage project controller salary
As a project controller, your average salary is $115,120 per year. However, your remuneration package varies based on experience, project size and the complexity of your duties. Entry-level positions in this role attract a remuneration package of $93,638 per year. The most experienced project controllers take home a salary of $146,897 per year.
how to increase your earnings as a project controller
The remuneration package depends on your work experience. When you are new to the role, you have minimal experience. Hence, you take home a lower salary since you handle less complex tasks. When you have over five years of experience, you take on complex duties that boost your remuneration prospects.
The project size also influences your earnings. You earn a lower salary when you work on small projects since they have low budgets. Large, complex projects require additional expertise. If you work on projects with big budgets, your remuneration package is higher.
The geographical location also affects your remuneration package due to the fluctuation in demand and cost of living. When you work in metro areas, you earn more because of the high demand for project controllers. Major projects are also situated in metro areas, improving your remuneration prospects. Smaller cities have a lower demand for project controllers, which lowers potential salaries.
Want to know what you will earn as a project controller? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of project controllers
As a project controller, you work in diverse business sectors. For instance, information technology (IT) project controllers work in technology companies, assisting IT teams in their duties. Your job is to assist with budgeting and IT project finances. You come up with cost management solutions and ensure the team sticks to the budget.
In construction or mining, you work alongside the project manager to manage project resources. Your job is to keep track of financial resources and ensure proper documentation of financial records.
You can also specialise in marketing roles and become a marketing project controller. Your job is to assist with the planning and execution of marketing campaigns. You create budgets for marketing projects and ensure the team sticks to the budget.
working as a project controller
Working as a project controller is a challenging and rewarding career. Each project is different, allowing for versatility in many capacities from one project to the next. Read on to learn what you can expect when you work in this field.
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project controller job description
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.
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work environment
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.
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who are your colleagues?
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.
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work schedule
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.
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job outlook
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.
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advantages of finding a project controller job through randstad
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.
education and skills
If you want to become a project controller, you need solid educational qualifications in your area of interest. While a bachelor's degree in finance or business administration can land you a job as a project controller, pursuing a degree in your area of interest is important. For instance, a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science equips you with technical knowledge for your role. In construction, get a White Card and learn about the safety standards for working in construction sites.
You also require work experience to excel in the role. It's important to learn how the industry works and gain valuable finance experience.
project controller skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of project controllers include:
- financial acumen: as a project controller, you are responsible for the finances of a project. Your duties include managing budgets, forecasting costs and tracking expenses. Financial acumen helps you make informed decisions about the budgets of a project and manage the finances.
- communication skills: as a project controller, you collaborate with a team of engineers and communicate with various people throughout the day. It is important to convey information clearly and listen to feedback from various stakeholders. Effective communication skills help you develop relationships with team members and keep everyone updated on the status of the project.
- problem-solving skills: as a project controller, you deal with multiple challenges during a project. Your problem-solving skills help you find creative ways to deal with issues that arise and overcome obstacles.
- KPI management: as a project controller, you should know how to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure the project achieves the desired outcome. You use your knowledge of KPIs to find areas of improvement.
FAQs about working as a project controller
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a project controller.
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what are the duties of project controllers?
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.
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how much do project controllers make in Australia?
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.
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is a project controller higher than a project manager?
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.
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is project controller a good career?
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.
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what qualifications do you need to be a project controller?
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.
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how do I apply for a project controller vacancy?
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.
