Senior Project Cost Analyst
Location: Hybrid
Pay Rate: $42.79/hr
Employment Type: Contract (Budgeted for 12 months with possible extension or direct hire)
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Cost Analyst to lead financial oversight for a diverse portfolio of complex capital and operational projects. This role manages project financials from planning through closeout, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost validation, monthly accruals, and alignment with scope and objectives.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role with broad influence across project teams, field operations, contractors, suppliers, and executive leadership. The Senior Project Cost Analyst also serves as a trusted financial partner and mentor to associate analysts.
Key Responsibilities
Project Cost Leadership
Lead and coordinate cost-management activities across Finance, Controllers, Estimating, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Governance teams
Serve as the primary financial contact for contracted field staff, field personnel, and vendors, resolving escalations and ensuring milestone progress
Conduct onsite project visits to validate work progress, assess risks, and confirm financial accuracy
Financial Controls & Reporting
Develop and maintain detailed financial forecasts, monthly accruals, cash flows, and spend plans
Deliver variance analysis and actionable insights to senior leadership on project performance and financial risk
Lead review and approval of budget-gating requests to ensure compliance with corporate spend controls
Ensure timely closure of Internal Orders (IOs) and maintain full compliance with reporting standards
Operational & Resource Optimization
Lead budget tracking, crew coordination, resource planning, and material management across assigned projects
Identify and execute cost-optimization strategies to improve financial and operational efficiency
Establish and maintain performance metrics and executive-level reporting
Forecast and optimize labor, contractor scheduling, material procurement, and inventory levels
Systems Expertise & Issue Resolution
Serve as subject-matter expert in SAP including cost tracking, credit memos, tax memos, and reporting
Manage escalations related to complex financial or operational issues across high-visibility projects
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, or Project Management
6+ years of experience in project controls, construction management, financial analysis, cost analysis, accounting, scheduling, or estimating
Strong proficiency in Excel and SAP
Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and deliver executive-level recommendations
Demonstrated success in team-based or matrixed environments
Preferred Qualifications
MBA, CPA, or Master’s degree in a related field
Experience in project controls including scheduling and estimating
Professional certification in cost control such as AACE or equivalent
Working knowledge of Maximo, SAP R/3, SRM, or BW
Experience applying project planning, implementation, and continuous improvement methodologies
Additional Requirements
Strong understanding of construction methodologies and project-gating frameworks
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present financial insights at all organizational levels
Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering measurable results