Cost Controller Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Cost Controller roles qualify for H-1B visa and TN visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before hiring, and candidates with ERP system experience and cost accounting credentials move through screening faster.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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
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 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 JobsTips for Finding Cost Controller Jobs
Document your cost accounting credentials precisely
Your degree field must align directly with the Cost Controller role for H-1B specialty occupation approval. If your degree is in a broad field like business, gather transcripts and any cost accounting coursework to show USCIS the direct connection.
Target manufacturers and project-based industries first
Construction, defense contracting, and manufacturing firms hire Cost Controllers under dedicated finance headcount, making them more likely to have established LCA filing processes than companies where cost control sits inside a generalist finance team.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate's job board for Cost Controller roles filtered to employers with confirmed LCA filing history. This cuts out companies that list the title but have never sponsored a visa for the position.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage certified on the LCA. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for Cost Controller roles in your target city before you receive an offer, so you can negotiate from an informed position.
Prepare for PERM by auditing your experience documentation
If your employer pursues a green card through EB-2 or EB-3, PERM requires proving no qualified U.S. worker was available. Keep records of your specialized ERP implementations or variance analysis projects, since generic cost accounting experience is harder to defend in a PERM audit.
Clarify your ERP specialization in the job description stage
Employers filing an LCA for a Cost Controller role must describe the position accurately. If your role centers on SAP or Oracle cost modules, make sure the job description reflects that specificity, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument and reduces RFE risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cost Controller role qualify as a specialty occupation for the H-1B?
Yes, provided the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field for the specific position. Generic cost oversight roles that accept any business degree can face USCIS scrutiny. Roles requiring knowledge of cost accounting standards, ERP systems, and variance analysis are stronger candidates because the degree requirement is field-specific, not just any bachelor's degree.
Which visa types realistically cover Cost Controller sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path for Cost Controllers sponsored by U.S. employers, subject to the annual cap and lottery. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN visa if the role maps to the USMCA accountant category. Australian nationals can pursue the E-3 visa, which has its own annual cap but no lottery. Each requires the employer to file a Labor Condition Application with DOL first.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor Cost Controller roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for finance and accounting roles, so you can search Cost Controller positions by companies that have already committed to sponsoring the visa. This avoids wasting time applying to employers who list the role but have no experience or infrastructure for visa sponsorship.
Does a CPA license or CMA certification strengthen my H-1B case?
Professional certifications like a CPA or Certified Management Accountant credential support your case indirectly by reinforcing that the role requires specialized financial knowledge, but USCIS evaluates specialty occupation based on the degree requirement, not licensure. The employer's job description must specify a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Certifications help most if your degree is in a loosely related discipline.
What happens to my H-1B status if I change employers as a Cost Controller?
H-1B portability allows you to start working for a new employer once they file a new H-1B petition on your behalf, without waiting for USCIS approval. The new employer must file a full I-129 petition and Labor Condition Application covering the Cost Controller role at the new company. Your previous approval doesn't transfer automatically, so begin the process before your current employment ends.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Cost Controller jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.