Senior Bid and Project Controller

Location: Irvine, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Senior Bid & Project Controller

Irvine, CA or Orlando, FL (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Bid & Project Controller (Financial Analyst) to act as a Finance Business Partner for small, large & critical programs, as well as new bids to support the Finance, Bid & Program Management, Sales and Executive Teams in a variety of tasks.

In this position, you will also be responsible for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, project tracking, bid & proposal finance, financial engineering, completing periodic reports and general program tasks as identified by Thales Leadership.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Responsible for program reviews: planning, tracking, analysis, and reporting on projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk.  Build scenario analysis to explain the financial impacts whenever requested; Highlight / manage program risks and opportunities in conjunction with Program Managers; Partner with all levels of the Programs Department and Bid Finance to ensure robust financials and operational governance from project set up through to project delivery.
• Supporting Sales and Bid Management by making financial assessments on new opportunities and qualifying the return on investment through scenario analysis; Supporting the Thales bid gate 0-3 process to ensure that all financial processes are adhered to and validated in accordance with documented procedures of Thales Group.
• Deliver program financials within contractual baselines: full scope of programs captured and risks/opportunities are identified; Prepare program financial baselines - Initial budget, validate changes and maintain updated business plans over the life of each program with appropriate tracking of assumptions and related variances analysis.
• Forecasting for all monthly and multi-year budgets (MYB) to include revenue and gross margin for all programs in his/her project portfolio; Ensure all costs against programs and departments are properly recorded, reconciled and analyzed.
• Coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Accounts Receivable to ensure that all the components of revenue are accounted for in accordance with the contractual terms : billing, credit, rebate; Evaluate and assess program contingencies and program efficiency metrics, reviewing trends and providing forward looking analysis.
• Accountable for ensuring all program financials are consistent with all internal policies & procedures; Support internal and external auditors' reviews and ensures that full documentation and account reconciliations, including but not limited to, program estimates at completion, are provided in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 5+ years of relevant accounting, or finance related experience or a Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting with 4+ years of relevant accounting or finance related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Financial analysis and financial modeling experience, budgeting, forecasting, and planning required.
• Prior experience working with Bids and/or Program finance, prior experience with principles of revenue and cost recognition and deferral, and financial statements, Prior experience on risk assessment, risk management and mitigation for P&L and Balance Sheet required.
• Financial Systems (i.e. SAP, Primavera or similar) experience, strong computer skills (Microsoft Office), including advanced Microsoft Excel and Access knowledge and experience required.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to fast-paced environment with changing priorities; Ability to work autonomously as a lead and provide sound financial advice to Program Management & Bid Management.
• Excellent judgment, planning and organizational skills; Analytical rigor and detail orientation with strong time management skills; Ability to receive general instructions on critical business requirements and to prioritize on key deadlines.
• Uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instruction, but receives additional specific instructions from Team Leader for new, difficult, or special projects/assignments.