H-1B Visa Cost Controller Jobs
Cost Controller jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit at the intersection of financial analysis and operations management, requiring a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Employers filing an LCA with DOL must certify a prevailing wage for each worksite, making cost-focused roles a consistent target for sponsorship.
Find H-1B Visa Cost Controller JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Cost Controller jobs










See all Cost Controller Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cost Controller roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry. We are looking for a talented Project Controller, Cost to join our dedicated team at our office located in Burlington, Massachusetts.
In this role, you will support all phases of the project costs and schedule reporting using the most current industry practices and software. Work under the supervision of Senior Controllers and Project Managers to integrate with engineering, procurement, cost, schedule, technical & construction disciplines for seamless reporting to ensure effective project delivery.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work collaboratively with the Project Manager (PM), Discipline Leads, and Engineers to ensure accurate and consistent reporting across all project platforms.
- Coordinate with the team to understand and contribute to the development of estimates used in bid package budgeting.
- Provide support for PNR and BRR updates and maintain report accuracy and consistency across systems.
- Partner with the PM and Procurement Manager to manage budget comparison tools and systems.
- Assist in translating bid breakdowns into Schedules of Values (SOVs) and maintain a working knowledge of contract scopes and line items.
- Lead the development and presentation of cost reports using Procore, Power BI, and UDF, and manage spend plan updates and reporting.
- Set up and maintain dashboards and custom reporting tools in coordination with the project team.
- Work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced project environment that encourages positive contributions and teamwork.
- Support estimating, procurement, and project management efforts related to scope coordination, work package definition, contract development, and bid evaluation as directed by the PM.
- Engage in company-wide collaboration to enhance systems, processes, and institutional knowledge for continuous improvement.
- Facilitate agreement on contractor SOVs, monitor progress, and validate invoicing and payments.
- Coordinate with accounting to align project billing with current funding and client invoices, ensuring complete documentation at every stage.
- Actively participate in change control processes, including tracking cost trends and assisting in the validation and integration of pricing adjustments and change orders.
- Operate and support integrated cost reporting systems.
- Prepare detailed cost reports covering budgets, changes, commitments (POs), spending, anticipated costs, and forecasts, ensuring data integrity and reliable project forecasting.
- Contribute to processes related to budgeting, invoicing, change control, and cost forecasting across the EPCQ (engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification) project life cycle.
- Create clear visualizations, graphics, and outputs to support team communication. Provide updates on cash flow projections, staffing plans, and contingency usage.
- Support alignment between cost and schedule data, and assist in the preparation of schedule progress reports, trend analysis, and schedule assessments.
- Note: Schedule development is managed by a separate Scheduling role.
- Support the PM and project team in closeout activities and documentation.
- Compile historical cost data and capture key lessons learned at project completion.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BS degree in engineering or related technical field, construction management, or applicable experience.
- 0-3 years of professional experience.
- Aptitude, ability, and capacity to progressively broaden knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification (EPCQ) processes in the Pharma/Biotech Industry.
- Strong analytical and computer skills.
- Experience with data management tools (MS Excel, MS Access, Power BI, etc.).
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills are required, with the ability to prioritize and manage large amounts of information to effectively meet deadlines.
- Desire to work towards PMI, AACEI, or other industry certifications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to financial ERP systems is desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
- Must possess the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
- Must be able to climb ladders as necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying working conditions.
- Must be able to adhere to strict cleanroom gowning protocol.
TRAVEL
- This position will have 50% travel, or as required by the assigned project.
- Position may be assigned to the client site for an extended period.
- Overnight travel or staying in the city of the Client’s location is possible, depending on the assignment.
- Please review the IPS Travel Policy.
- You will visit construction sites and will be required to take site safety training and adhere to site safety rules.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Must have the ability to travel and commute on a daily or routine basis.
SAFETY
- This position is a safety-sensitive position.
- The employee is designated for field work and attends activities at client sites where they work in construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, research, or other "non-administrative" areas.
All interviews are conducted either in person or virtually, with video required.
About us
IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a global leader in technical consulting, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for technically complex facilities. Integration is how we think and work. It requires the ability to unite existing and emerging technologies into a process that reliably delivers products and accelerates speed to market. That end-to-end mindset allows us to be agile and anticipate challenges as we move projects toward operational readiness. IPS applies design and delivery expertise, client-side experience, and supplier-side insight to every project. We infuse our curiosity, our passion, and our commitment to partnership in delivering solutions at any scale. We meet our clients where they are and get them to where they need to go. That’s only possible when we care as much as our clients do.
SPECIALTIES
Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV, and Staffing Services.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
The salary offered for this role is between $72,000 and $96,000, but the actual salary offered is dependent on experience, skill set, and education.
LI-DJ1
See all H-1B Visa Cost Controller Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Cost Controller Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Cost Controller
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Cost Controller roles qualify as a specialty occupation when tied to a specific degree field like accounting, finance, or industrial engineering. Pull the O*NET occupation profile to document the degree requirements USCIS looks for before you apply.
Target employers with multi-site cost operations
Companies managing multiple facilities or project sites file LCAs per worksite, which means active H-1B filers in construction, manufacturing, and energy consistently sponsor Cost Controllers. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified LCA filing history in your target industry.
Verify prevailing wage tier before negotiating salary
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your specific location and job title. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct SOC code before entering salary discussions so you know the floor the employer is legally bound to meet.
Prepare cost accounting documentation for RFE defense
USCIS sometimes issues Requests for Evidence questioning whether a Cost Controller role requires a degree-level skill set. Gather job descriptions, organizational charts showing where the role sits, and any professional certifications like CMA or CPA to support the specialty occupation argument upfront.
Confirm each new worksite triggers a fresh LCA
If your role involves rotating between project sites or client locations, each new primary worksite requires its own certified LCA before you begin work there. Raise this with your employer's HR or immigration counsel during the offer stage, not after relocation paperwork is signed.
Use your 60-day grace period strategically between roles
If a sponsoring employer terminates your position, your H-1B status includes a 60-day grace period to secure a new offer and file a transfer petition. Prioritize employers already familiar with H-1B cost controller sponsorship so the transfer petition can be filed quickly within that window.
H-1B Visa Cost Controller: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cost Controller role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, Cost Controller roles typically qualify as a specialty occupation when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, industrial engineering, or a directly related field. The employer must demonstrate this degree requirement in the LCA and I-129 petition. Roles that mix cost control with general administrative duties and do not require a specific degree may face more scrutiny from USCIS.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most consistently for Cost Controller positions?
Construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and large-scale infrastructure projects generate the most consistent demand for sponsored Cost Controllers because those employers manage complex, multi-site budgets that require dedicated degree-level financial oversight. To browse verified sponsors in your preferred industry, search Cost Controller roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed LCA filing history.
What happens to my H-1B status if the project I was hired for ends early?
Your H-1B status is tied to the employer's petition, not the specific project. If your position is terminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer and file a transfer petition. The new employer must file a fresh I-129 and, if the worksite changes, a new certified LCA before you begin work at the new location.
Can my employer transfer my H-1B to a different project site without filing a new LCA?
No. Each primary worksite requires its own certified LCA reflecting the prevailing wage for that specific location. Short-term placements under 60 days may qualify for a posting exception, but any ongoing assignment at a new site requires the employer to file a new LCA with DOL before you start work there. Confirm this process with your employer before accepting a reassignment.
How long can I work in the U.S. on an H-1B as a Cost Controller?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended to a six-year maximum. Beyond six years, continued H-1B extensions may be available if an employment-based green card petition has been filed and meets specific milestones under AC21 portability rules. Your employer's immigration counsel can advise on whether your situation qualifies for extensions beyond the standard six-year limit.