Description

Mission

Waséyabek Federal Services, LLC (WFS) is a 100% Tribally owned, Native American SBA 8(a) small business of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). WFS is part of a portfolio of companies managed by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, a 100% Tribally owned economic development firm focused on income diversification on behalf of NHBP that reaches beyond gaming and is a well-funded, experienced small business, with substantial liquid assets and experience in federal contracting. WFS has borrowing capacity to meet the daily cash needs of new business development, new award support, and operational working capital. WFS is well-versed in federal contract compliance and provides outstanding support services

Position Summary

The R&D Project Controller will primarily act as a liaison between the WFS R&D Support Team, their subcontractors, the WFS Business Office and several individuals within DOE to ensure work is prioritized and adequately funded to improve the likelihood of successfully reaching key R&D milestones while fostering effective communication and collaboration across all parties. The Controller reports to the WFS R&D Support Manager daily but also works closely with the WFS Business Manager to ensure consistent and accurate invoicing. The Controller will work closely with the WFS R&D Support Team to gather cost data and discuss financial insight while validating customer-facing data. 

Responsibilities:

·       Responsible for recording all financial transactions within R&D. This includes funds allocated, spent, planned, and remaining by project (funding source).

·       Responsible for building and maintaining interactive dashboards and/or spreadsheets that display financial information  

·       Establish a productive relationship with federal project managers where short and long-term research and funding needs are communicated freely 

·       Participate in both weekly and monthly team meetings to discuss budget and schedule status 

·       Provide ad hoc financial reports

·       Track work execution to ensure costs are within budget

·       Develop tools to get accurate cost data to R&D Support members to improve project execution

·       Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency

·       Assist with review and implement changes to internal accounting controls as needed 

·       Coordinate, develop and maintain the annual R&D operating budget

·       Review R&D invoices against expected purchase amounts 

·       Regularly review payroll and expense reimbursement against planned amounts 

·       Supply all information requested by external auditors 

·       Train project managers and team members on financial best practices, budgeting tools and cost control methods.

·       Assist with developing new or alternate resources for completing work.

·       Identify and train a back-up(s) to manage key tasks when absent.

·       Additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as directed by the R&D Support Manager.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·       Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or engineering is required 

·       Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as Controller or similar function 

·       Exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to analyze reports, identify issues, and forecast costs.

·       Have a willingness and ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

·       Have the knowledge to understand and help resolve technical challenges and risks within R&D projects 

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills to explain financial data to various stakeholders, including project managers and representatives from both federal agencies and contracting organizations.

·       Strong presentations skills and the ability to build strong, cooperative relationships with team members.  

·       Proficiency with financial and business intelligence software, especially Microsoft Excel, Power BI and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle 

·       Ability to quickly adapt focus, adjust schedule and problem solve to meet evolving work demands and needs of supervisor and other stakeholders.

·       Be a highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also work independently and balance multiple competing priorities and tasks.

·       Take full responsibility of assigned tasks, deliver high-quality work, and proactively identify and resolve issues to ensure financial reporting and project control.

·       Experienced with project management methodologies and cost control best practices including earned value management (EVM).

·       Experience in GAAP Cost Accounting 

·       Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

·       Ability to pass an extensive background investigation, including but not limited to personal and professional financial history, nationwide criminal record search, credit check and other relevant background information deemed necessary by WDC.

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·       CPA, MBA , CCP or EVP 

·       Experience with Deltek Costpoint and Primavera P6

·       Familiarity with federal contracting regulations (e.g. FAR, DFARS).

·       Demonstrated experience leading or participating in cross-functional teams involving both government and contractor personnel.

·       Prior experience working within R&D support at the NETL with both the SSC and DOE

·       Proven track record of success in stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution in complex project environments.

·       Experienced in identifying, quantifying and mitigating financial risks specific to projects 

·       Prior knowledge or experience working with a Native American Tribe.

·       Pass a pre-employment drug screen 

·       Pass a background investigation, including but not limited to nationwide criminal record search, and other relevant background information deemed necessary by the contract 

·       United States citizenship is required to work on a federal contract and will be electronically verified via E-Verify 

Physical Requirements:  

This job operates in a professional office environment.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Flexibility related to work hours as project demands arise.

·       Occasionally required to move 5 – 25 pounds.

·       Must be able to remain in a stationary computer position for extended periods of time.

·       Must be able to use hands and fingers to type.

·       Must be able to reach with hands and arms for using a computer.

Travel Requirements:

The Controller’s home office will be either in Pittsburgh, PA or Morgantown, WV. They will be required to travel to the opposite location at least two days per week. Quarterly travel for a period of one-to-two weeks is required to Albany, Oregon.   

Disclaimer:

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent.  An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

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