Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com. 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director, Finance; this role is responsible for controlling the budget and spend for building a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, GA. Key responsibilities include managing project finances, tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring expenditures; maintaining project cost records; reporting financial performance and progress to key stakeholders; presenting project updates and financial insights to management; facilitating project related financial reviews and audits; supporting cost reduction initiatives and annual forecasts/AOP.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage project finances by tracking budget vs actuals; monitoring project-related expenditures and transactions (purchase requisitions, invoices, etc.); maintaining financial records; and ensuring financial compliance with organizational and federal guidelines
• Support the project team in identifying potential risks that may impact project timeline or budget and work with the team in developing strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly
• Implement robust tracking mechanisms to monitor project progress and milestones from a financial perspective; Communicate project health and financial performance against budget to all key stakeholders regularly
• Generate comprehensive reports on project performance, financial status, and potential risks or deviations from the plan/budget
• Collaborate with project stakeholders in submitting financial transactions and records to the federal government per guidelines
• Facilitate project financial reviews, audits and ensure adherence to applicable accounting principles
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience with budgeting, financial planning and reporting, project controlling; project management
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present complex data to a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to reconcile large data sets and intermediate to advanced level skills in MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Business Intelligence reporting tools
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in Excel; BI reporting tools; ability to reconcile and present complex data and collaborate cross-functionally
• Ability to prioritize and perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Must be organized and detail-oriented
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to thrive in a team-based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal customers
• Continuously perform to high ethical standards and those established from an Internal Controls/Legal perspective

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field); MBA preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a project controller, FP&A, manufacturing finance or corporate finance roles

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters;
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus;
• Ability to influence stakeholders;
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex compensation details in a clear manner;
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird’s winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment.  We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.