About this role
Job Description:
Project Controller position Airbus Netherlands B.V. (focus area Solar Array projects)
Airbus Netherlands B.V. is looking for a Project Controller to provide financial and analytical support to our unique Solar Array projects.
As Project Controller you are the financial and analytical backbone of the project and responsible for establishing a robust project control framework from design to final delivery, managing the Estimate At Completion (EAC), monitoring Estimate To Completion (ETC), and ensuring strict adherence to contractual terms and financial governance across the entire project lifecycle. Additionally, in the frame of a serial production the focus on the cost per unit is key. You will focus on the accurate and complete tracking and reporting of the project financial data for Solar Arrays production:
• Specific Solar Array products (unique solar arrays products)
• Solar Array catalogue products (“Sparkwing” on the shelf products with late differentiation)
• Serial production projects (constellations with hundreds of same products)
This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the project's cost and schedule data, ensuring timely processing of commitments, and assisting in the foundational analysis required for cost and schedule forecasting.
Company description:
Airbus Netherlands makes a vital contribution to the international Space industry in our current operational areas of Solar Arrays, Launcher Structures, Instruments & Systems. In these fields we belong to the World top and seek to maintain the same level with future products and services. Our focus is to be a reliable partner that contributes to the success of our clients’ missions in a solution-driven and targeted manner.
Airbus Netherlands designs and builds structures for European launchers serving the commercial and institutional satellite markets. The combination of our long heritage and continually expanding expertise has equipped us with the capability to meet the rapidly changing demands in this field. The company also plays a crucial role on a variety of missions funded by ESA, NASA and commercial institutions to design and develop Solar Arrays used to power satellites, spacecraft and their payloads.
The Project Controller reports to the Head of Projects Control and is integrated in the project and works closely with the Project Manager and Work Package Mangers.
Key Responsibilities:
Data Management & Reporting Support
• Cost Data Entry: Accurately enter and maintain project budgets, monitor commitments (Purchase Orders), and actual expenditures within the Project Controls system (SAP).
• Invoice Processing: Verify and reconcile invoices against contracts and commitments, ensuring proper cost coding to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). • Ensure timely invoice issuing (when milestone is met).
• Monthly Reporting: Prepare and distribute standardized monthly project reports, focusing on actual costs versus budget and commitment balances.
• Documentation: Maintain well-organized electronic and physical project financial files and documentation.
• EAC planning: Quarterly review of the EAC to be updated.
Analysis & Forecasting Assistance
• Variance Explanation: Gathering data to explain simple cost variances between actuals and the budget (e.g., higher material costs, timing issues).
• Forecasting Input: Gather and structure data (e.g., quantity completion reports, remaining commitment values) to support the preparation of the Estimate At Completion (EAC).
• Rate Verification: Ensure all labor rates, overhead multipliers, and unit costs used for reporting are current and accurate.
Product Cost Control & Analysis
• Check purchase entries: approve Purchase Requests (PR) and Purchase Orders (PO) on projects.
• Target Costing: Partner with engineering and procurement to establish and track the product's Bill of Materials (BOM) against the defined target Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) throughout the development phases.
• CapEx Control: Oversee the budget and spending for production tooling and machinery (CapEx), ensuring investments are aligned with production volume and efficiency targets.
• Make-or-Buy Analysis: Perform detailed financial analyses (e.g., Net Present Value, Payback Period) for critical 'make-or-buy' and investment decisions related to the production process.
• Hours Analysis: challenge internal estimated costs coming from the Work Package Managers.
Gate & Milestone Control
• Stage-Gate Governance: Act as the financial approver at project stage-gates (e.g., Prototype, Pre-Series, Mass Production), validating that all financial targets (CapEx, R&D, COGS) are met before progressing to the next phase.
• Commercial Viability: Review the costs from the bid phase to implement the first EAC based on reasonable assumptions.
• Change Contract Notice: For CCN below 500 K€ (current threshold) provide cost calculation.
• Inventory & Overhead: Work with the Production and Finance teams to forecast and monitor pre-series production costs, overhead absorption, and initial inventory valuation.
Forecasting & Reporting
• Serial Forecast: Develop financial forecasts that bridge the gap between development costs and long-term serial production profitability.
• Variance Analysis: Track deviations from target costs and budget, identifying root causes (e.g., engineering changes, material price changes, yield loss) and proposing corrective actions.
• System Integration: Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of project financials within the ERP system (e.g., SAP Project Systems, CO-PA) for both development and production phases.
• Invoices to come: per project forecast the invoices to release up to the end of the project and critical review for the next 3 months.
Process & Controls Adherence
• Compliance: Ensure all project expenditures and financial processes adhere to company policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Continuous improvements: Provide regular inputs for general internal procedures. Collaborate with the Digitalization team on any new set of data to share.
• Provide feedback to the Digitalization team during the test phase and after implementation.
• Change Control Administration: Manage the administrative process for simple change orders, ensuring required approvals are obtained and documentation is filed before costs are incurred.
• Manage monthly drumbeat cycle: Review the manpower request.
Risk, Contract, & Change Management
• Risk Mitigation: Quantify and manage the financial impact of project risks and opportunities, ensuring contingency budgets are proactively managed and tracked; in line with PM and WPMs.
• Contract Compliance: Monitor project execution to ensure compliance with complex commercial contracts, including adherence to penalty clauses (e.g., liquidated damages) and warranty periods.
• Change Control: Manage the entire change order process, ensuring all scope changes are formally documented, financially evaluated, approved, and integrated into the revised project budget and baseline before execution.
Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-5 years’ experience in Finance, Accounting and most preferably experience as a Project Controller.
• Strong knowledge in SAP ERP systems (preferred).
• Advanced Excel modelling.
• Knowledge of accounting principles (especially related to IFRS 15).
• Knowledge of closing principles (accruals).
• Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written).
• Available 32-40 hours per week.
• Residency in the Netherlands.
Providing a VOG/Certificate of Conduct is part of the procedure.
What's in it for you?
We offer a challenging job in a dynamic and international working environment, with extensive opportunities for personal development and attractive working conditions such as:
• Competitive salary including participation PME pension fund.
• 27 holidays + 13 ADV days per year based on full time employment.
• Flexibility in working hours and work location.
• Easily accessible head office near Leiden Central Station.
• Commuting allowance or NS Business card.
• Bicycle plan and company fitness plan.
Are you ready for this challenge? Upload your application letter and resume via our online application button.
Unsolicited services or offers from recruitment agencies or intermediaries will not be responded.
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Netherlands B.V.Contract Type:
Permanent-----
Experience Level:
ProfessionalJob Family:
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