Project Controls Specialist

Location : Chicago, IL

Duration : 6–12-month Contract-to-Hire

Our client, a leading energy and utilities organization, is seeking a highly skilled Project Controls Specialist to oversee financial planning, forecasting, and budget management within its IT division. This is a critical role supporting the organization’s shared services team, with the potential to transition into a permanent position.

The ideal candidate will have strong financial expertise, familiarity with IT environments, and the ability to confidently communicate with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage yearly, monthly, and long-range forecasting and budget planning.
• Oversee contracts, invoices, requests, renewals , and financial documentation.
• Act as the "protector of the budget" , ensuring adherence to financial goals and policies.
• Conduct routine budget check-ins, including accruals and analysis of unique team code blocks.
• Utilize tools like Apptio (general ledger and budgeting) and Asset Suite 8 to track financials.
• Maintain a day-to-day awareness of financial mechanics across software, hardware, and IT operations.
• Communicate effectively with senior managers, managers, and stakeholders.
• Support IT-related financial planning, cost calculators, and asset management.
• Provide insights into IT products/systems, including VMware, Splunk , and other applications, servers, and devices.

Required Skills:

• A financial background with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Familiarity with IT products, systems, and services, including basic knowledge of applications, servers, and devices .
• Confidence in interacting with senior managers and presenting financial data.
• Expertise in using tools like Apptio and Asset Suite 8 .

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of IT organizations, including VMware, Splunk , or similar technologies.
• Previous experience in cost analysis and financial planning for IT projects.
• Ability to analyze and manage budgets with unique team code blocks.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, IT , or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience ; candidates straight out of college are not being considered.