Bid & Project Controller

Thales in Bern seeks a Bid & Project Controller to manage financial oversight for training and simulation projects. The role ensures accurate financial direction, risk management, and compliance for defense and security clients.

This position supports the Thales expert team in Bern, which develops training and simulation solutions for armed forces, police authorities, and helicopter operators. The role provides essential financial guidance and oversight to ensure project success and shareholder value growth.

Responsibilities

• Manage the financial side of bids and projects, focusing on risk mitigation and value creation through precise financial guidance.
• Serve as a financial partner to project teams by validating commitment reviews, preparing gate packs, price and cash sheets, and financial memos according to company standards.
• Oversee cost estimation, revenue recognition methods, and contract status reports, including monthly updates on estimate-at-completion trends.
• Coordinate with legal, commercial, and sales departments to ensure proper order booking conditions and contract enforcement.
• Monitor project financial health, including sales, gross margins, price variations, inventory, and end-of-month margin validation alongside project management offices.
• Handle financial compliance tasks such as post-completion evaluations, audit assessments, ERP sales postings, trial balance reconciliations, and debtors' reports.
• Analyze cost variances between actuals and forecasts, suggest corrective actions for revenue and cash flow recovery, and reassess financial positions at project closure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Accounting, or equivalent professional certification and experience.
• Strong financial background with experience in bid or project controlling, ideally within defense, aerospace, or technology sectors.
• Proficiency in Excel, SAP/ERP systems, and financial reporting tools, with the ability to quickly adapt to new software.
• Analytical mindset to evaluate financial risks and opportunities, with strong attention to detail for managing multiple projects.
• Ability to collaborate across functions with project teams, finance, operations, and commercial departments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with clear communication for senior leadership and operational teams.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of German or French is considered an advantage.

What the company offers

• Flexible part-time work models to support work-life balance.
• Flexible vacation options, including the possibility to purchase additional leave.
• Paid premiums for accident and daily sickness insurance.
• Optional savings plans for occupational pension schemes.
• Employee share program “Sharing Thales”.
• Corporate health management with regular initiatives.
• Extensive training opportunities via the Thales Learning Hub.
• Benefits platform with employee discounts.

About the company

Thales is a globally leading technology group specializing in digital identity and security, aerospace, defense, and training and simulation. The company ensures that customers, partners, and employees can move forward with confidence and security. Thales actively promotes diversity through sustainable and values-driven leadership culture.

• Thales is a globally leading technology group specializing in digital identity and security, aerospace, defense, and training and simulation.
• The company ensures that customers, partners, and employees can move forward with confidence and security.
• Thales actively promotes diversity through sustainable and values-driven leadership culture.