Project Controller - Research and Development

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions :

This position assists in the preparation and management of strategic research and development (R&D) budgets, with a particular emphasis on budgets related to R&D programs funded, wholly or in part, by grants from the .

Department of Energy or other governmental agencies. This position also closely collaborates with R&D program managers, other R&D personnel, and accounting resources to accurately record, track, and report project costs.

Other project controllership activities include monitoring performance against budgets, reporting information to key stakeholders, and facilitating reimbursement of grant funds, as applicable.

As part of these efforts the individual is expected to help design processes and other compliance activities to achieve these objectives.

This project controller position serves as a key resource that enables the success of the R&D organization and the company’s technology roadmap.

Education / Experience :

• BS (or international equivalent) in finance / accounting (required).
• 5+ years’ experience in project controller, finance, or accounting roles.
• Experience in tracking costs (., job costing system), managing budgets, and reporting relevant information to executives and other key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with government contracts, grants, and related compliance activities, including :
• Experience working with the . Department of Energy (preferred)
• Working knowledge that consists of, but is not limited to, the following :
• Audits conducted by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)
• 2 CFR Part 200 and / or single audits
• Inventory accounting.
• Purchasing and accounts payable.
• Accrued expenses.
• Timekeeping and payroll.
• Internal controls.
• Experience with Oracle or other ERP systems.
• Microsoft Office applications, including a high degree of proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.

Required Skills / Competencies :

Accountability Demonstrates complete ownership over assigned scope of work, including all assigned R&D budgets. Remains fully committed and resilient in the face of obstacles.

Ability to work autonomously with minimal direct oversight.

• Attention to detail Exhibits thoroughness in accomplishing multiple tasks. Ability to perform detailed cost tracking to ensure the accuracy of financial results and performance against budgets.
• Accounting knowledge and expertise Possesses fundamental knowledge of . GAAP and accounting principles, including consolidated financial statements.
• Logical and clear thinker Translates complexity into simplicity and articulates crisply and clearly. Understands the underlying business activities and finds connections among issues and data.
• Collaboration Demonstrates skills in working with and supporting strategic business partners from the R&D organization.

Has superior verbal and written communication. Ability to work with team members in other geographic regions and time zones.

Integrity Can be trusted with confidential R&D or employee compensation information and takes measures to safeguard such information in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Work with R&D personnel to prepare budgets for programs supported by government grants.
• Support the government grant application process, including providing responses to government inquiries.
• Design, support, and optimize ongoing processes related to R&D project accounting and government grant related activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal control, governmental, and / or grant related requirements.
• Review general ledger and project costing information recorded in Oracle.
• Perform direct and indirect cost allocations and record the associated journal entries.
• Record other adjustments and journal entries, as necessary, to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Work with R&D and accounting personnel to timely and accurately bill governmental agencies and ensure reimbursement of grant funds.
• Prepare monthly financial reports related to R&D programs, grants, and budgets.
• Support periodic audits of grant related programs.
• Ensure compliance with Quality, Environment, Health and Safety, and Responsible Business Alliance policies and procedures that are enforced within the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships :

This role reports to the Manager Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting USA.

Travel :

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Estimated Annual Salary Range :

$75,100 - $107,000 Estimated Annual Salary

US Physical Requirements :

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20 / 40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to, steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, and arm guards).
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.

All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.