Project Cost Analyst (Associate / Project / Senior)

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Cost Analyst to support cost management across the full project lifecycle. This role may be filled at the Associate, Project, or Senior level, depending on experience and demonstrated capability.

In this role, you will apply project cost management methodologies, tools, and systems to develop estimates, manage budgets, track performance, and drive cost control. You will partner closely with project managers, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate forecasting, reporting, and decision support.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve project cost estimates, budgets, and cost performance baselines

• Monitor and analyze cost performance, identifying variances and recommending corrective, preventive, and predictive actions

• Manage Estimate at Completion (EAC), forecasting, and cost trending throughout the project lifecycle

• Support earned value management (EVM) and performance reporting

• Implement and maintain cost change control processes

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate cost planning, reporting, and alignment to project objectives

• Integrate cost management with schedule and scope to ensure holistic project controls

• Review contractor estimates and validates forecasts and cost assumptions

• Support contract and commercial activities, including invoice validation, payments, and performance tracking

• Process and analyze labor, invoices, and accruals, ensuring proper coding and alignment to WBS and cost structures

• Develop and maintain Basis of Estimates (BOE) documentation

• Produce regular and ad hoc cost reports and dashboards for stakeholders and leadership

• Apply risk-informed cost analysis, incorporating uncertainty and schedule impacts into forecasts

• Continuously improve tools, templates, and processes aligned with industry standards (AACE, PMI, etc.)

What You’ll Bring

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data accuracy and integrity

• Ability to communicate complex cost information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

• Effective collaboration skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels

• Experience working independently while managing multiple priorities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced preferred) and familiarity with project controls systems

Qualifications by Level

Associate Project Cost Analyst

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)

• 0–3 years of experience in project controls, finance, or cost analysis

• Foundational knowledge of estimating, budgeting, and project cost tracking

• Strong Excel/data analysis skills

Project Cost Analyst

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)

• 3–6 years of relevant experience

• Experience with project estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and earned value management

• Working knowledge of project scheduling and integration with cost

• Ability to manage cost processes independently on small to mid-sized projects

Senior Project Cost Analyst

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)

• 6+ years of relevant experience, preferably in large capital or industrial projects

• Advanced expertise in cost management, forecasting, and project controls integration

• Strong experience with EVM, risk-based cost analysis, and stakeholder leadership

• Ability to lead cost efforts across complex projects and mentor junior analysts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in large industrial or capital project environments

• Familiarity with AACE, PMI, or construction/project controls standards

• Experience with project scheduling tools and integrated cost/schedule systems

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (in-state)

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to play a critical role in delivering successful projects by driving cost transparency, accuracy, and performance. You’ll work in a collaborative environment where your insights directly influence key project decisions.