Project Cost Analyst - Intermediate - MP - VF

Aston Carter•Valparaiso, IN

4d•$35 - $48•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cost Analyst is responsible for leading and executing comprehensive cost management, cost forecasting, schedule integration, and risk analysis activities in support of major capital projects. The role ensures accurate project cost performance measurement, enhances predictability through quantitative and qualitative assessment, and enables corrective, preventive, and predictive actions across the project lifecycle. This position operates in alignment with industry standards, NiSource Project Management Guidelines, and best practices.

Requirements

High School Diploma with 8+ years of experience working in Microsoft Excel or equivalent tools involving data manipulation, integration, and report generation;
OR
Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience in financial or cost management.
Valid driver’s license.
Integrated knowledge of scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality management.
Proficiency in quantitative risk management tools and techniques.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Personal effectiveness, cognitive ability, innovation, and value-based decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree with 8+ years of advanced Excel experience (or equivalent software) in data manipulation and cost reporting.
Experience working in large industrial capital project environments.
Ability to develop and review project estimates, build project budgets, and analyze project schedules.

Responsibilities

Cost Management & Forecasting
Increase proficiency in cost analysis and integrated cost–schedule forecasting utilizing quantitative risk management tools such as Expected Monetary Value (EMV) and Sensitivity Analysis.
Develop and maintain qualitative integrated project baselines to measure, monitor, and improve project performance.
Apply cost-of-quality principles to strengthen cost management processes.
Provide continuous life-cycle cost estimating and forecasting to improve predictability.
Manage the project budget and cost performance baseline.
Maintain and manage the project Estimate at Completion (EAC), and recommend improvements to project stakeholders.
Direct overall cost management efforts and tailor cost processes, tools, and techniques to enhance cost performance.
Risk & Quality Integration
Apply integrated, objective risk management practices to project baselines to optimize risk responses.
Integrate scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality to improve project predictability and performance.
Use schedule analysis techniques to optimize schedule and cost outcomes.
Contract & Commercial Management
Coordinate contract commercial management activities including payments, performance assessments, reporting, and initial performance analysis.
Conduct contract reviews focusing on payment requirements, compliance, and supporting documentation.
Process labor timesheets, invoices, and contract-related submittals; assign and validate Nature of Expense, WBS, and Cost Budgeting System codes.
Assist Project Managers and Cost Budget Analysts in the accrual process.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Perform cost and schedule analysis to identify variances, trends, and required corrective or preventive actions.
Deliver standard and advanced cost reports for key project stakeholders.
Evaluate manpower, labor hours, and labor cost requirements versus budget constraints.
Project Controls & Systems Integration
Apply core project controls expertise to enhance project predictability and performance.
Review, coordinate, and support the use of project management guidelines, standards, processes, job aids, and tools.
Integrate all project management subsidiary systems to improve overall execution.
Support Major Project Managers, Directors, and other stakeholders in retrieving and interpreting cost data.
Leadership & Communication
Utilize strong communication competencies to drive effective cost management decision-making.
Lead through situational leadership, inspiring and motivating project stakeholders.
Apply conflict resolution, teamwork, and value-based decision-making to support project objectives.