Cost Analyst I or II

Dairyland Power Cooperative • La Crosse, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Cost Analyst I supports the collection, organization and basic analysis of project-related financial data used to develop performance and status reports for project management. This role assists with maintaining project controls information, preparing routine reports and supporting project teams with budget, forecast and documentation tracking activities. This position will work under the guidance of more experienced team members to build knowledge of project controls, utility construction cost tracking and reporting. The Cost Analyst II position performs the collection, organization and analysis of project financial data necessary to construct performance and status reports used by project management. Cost Analyst II utilizes data collected to create performance and project status reports and supports project management team members by working collaboratively to analyze reports and to provide recommendations to address gaps identified.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Project Management or a related field required.
• Experience in project controls, finance, accounting, project management support or utility/industrial construction support preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Basic understanding of cost tracking, budgeting and reporting principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize and review data accurately.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with project teams, finance and support departments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to learn project controls processes, reporting methods and utility construction workflows.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ability to learn how to work in a D365 environment, Power BI and related software systems.
• Basic problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments while seeking guidance on more complex issues.
• General understanding of accounting principles preferred.
• Exposure to project management, construction or utility operations concepts preferred.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Project Management or a related field, plus five (5) or more years of experience.
• Experience providing cost control and schedule support for large and complex projects.
• Experience at providing effective analysis of project performance and status to ensure predictable project delivery.
• Conversant with PMI Process and Knowledge areas and American Association of Cost Estimator standards and practices.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with individuals at various levels.
• Strong organizational, time, project and change management skills with ability to multi-task.
• Ability to compile and manipulate data to provide basis for project performance analysis.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, Power BI and working knowledge of D365 environment.
• Excellent analytical thinking, investigative and problem-solving skills with the agility and flexibility to deal effectively with ambiguity and change.
• Strong business acumen potential
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently yet take coaching and assistance constructively.
• General understanding of accounting principles
• General understanding of the means and methods employed for construction of electric utility related projects.

Responsibilities

• Collects and organizes project data to support the development of project status and performance reports.
• Assists with preparing routine project performance, budget and status reports using established tools and templates.
• Supports project management by helping review report data, identify variances and escalate questions or issues to senior team members.
• Assists with monitoring contract, procurement and project documentation to help track obligations, deliverables and compliance touchpoints for contracted service providers.
• Interacts with members of the Finance, Supply Chain and other departments as necessary to troubleshoot and solve issues related to project costs and vendor contract compliance.
• Supports the development and maintenance of resource demand plans, cost projections and cash flow forecasts.
• Assists project management with collecting and organizing documentation related to budget changes, impacts and change orders to support tracking against baseline budget and schedule.
• Helps monitor changes to project budgets and schedules and supports analysis of cost and performance trends.
• Develops working knowledge of technology and software platforms used for project financial transactions, scheduling, resource planning, risk assessment and project performance analysis.
• Supports project teams with maintaining budget information, forecasts and in-service milestone tracking through project completion.
• Participates in training and professional development to build project controls, reporting and utility project knowledge.
• Follows governance, process descriptions, guidelines and procedures and shares improvement suggestions with leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
• Life insurance
• Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
• Paid Time Off
• Robust Wellness Program
• New Flexible Work Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level