Project Cost Analyst (Principal - Staff)

Job Posting End Date

06-01-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Project Cost Analyst (Principal - Staff) is responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls in support of Project Managers and other team members. This role oversees cost reporting for multiple projects, monitors project budgets, and ensures accurate project cost representation on large, complex projects under minimal supervision. Responsibilities include inputting budgets into corporate systems, providing forecast updates and variance analysis, tracking key performance indicators, and collaborating with project teams to apply project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

This position also supports communication and partnership development with internal and external customers and may be responsible for training, continuous improvement, work order creation, and coordination with contractors and vendors depending on business unit needs.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Coordinate project meetings and support project team members with project activities.
• Assist the Project Manager with preparation and updates to project documentation and planning.
• Prepare forecasts of project spending, cash flows, budget variance monitoring, and cost tracking/analysis.
• Provide analysis and verification for SOX activities as needed.
• Assist with annual budgets, capital forecasts, five-year plans, and improvement requisitions.
• Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.
• Develop, recommend, and implement plans for scheduling, resource, and cost control for complex problems.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Project Controls, and other stakeholders to:
• perform variance reporting,
• establish original baseline budgets,
• create project work plans,
• create project breakdown structures.
• Track, analyze, verify, and submit information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs).
• Maintain complete and current project system records.
• Coordinate the work order process from creation through in-servicing and closing.
• Assist with evaluating contracting methods, creating contract requisitions, bidding activities, and cost analysis.
• Communicate with project teams, resources, and stakeholders regarding budgetary items.
• Resolve moderately complex problems independently and make technical decisions based on calculated risks.
• Perform assignments requiring technical knowledge and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Develop and compile KPIs for scope, budget, schedule, cost performance, forecasting, and related measures.
• Direct and support administration of project/work management standards.
• Adhere to project management governance standards and guidance.
• Provide training, guidance, mentoring, and subject matter expertise to lower-level employees as assigned.
• Validate training completion and application.
• Recommend improvements to enhance role performance, project performance, and overall organizational performance.
• Negotiate and coordinate work with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to obtain and integrate project performance data.
• Support teamwork, respond to inquiries, resolve work order issues, and implement action plans in a fast-paced environment.

What we’re looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:

• High School Diploma or GED with 4 years of experience as a Project Cost Analyst Sr. <or>
• Associate’s degree in a related field plus 8 years of qualified experience. <or>
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 6 years of qualified experience.
• Related fields may include: Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, Project Management
• Degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Utility-specific operations knowledge/experience with a working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
• Experience in one or more of the following: Design, Operations, Planning, Project Management, Cost tracking and analysis, Forecasting, Project budgeting, Accounting principles, Construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment
• Experience with corporate accounting and project cost management systems.
• Experience with construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems.
• Ability to work independently on moderately complex assignments.
• Experience collaborating with project teams, vendors, contractors, and internal/external stakeholders.

Other preferences:

• Professio