Lead Cost Analyst

PTS Advance • Houston, TX

2d

About The Position

Primary Purpose: Responsible to control and monitor project total expenditure including verifying and checking of invoices and claims from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure that all project expenditures are captured and properly recorded. Provide planning and cost-controlling support for all projects which includes variation reporting, monitoring of milestone progress to the preparation of customer billing processes, etc. Essential duties and responsibilities: Provide project control support, including cost tracking, reporting, invoice management, account reconciliation, purchase order analysis, and project status updates. Conduct budget reviews, committed cost analysis, change order tracking, and act as an auditor to ensure timely review of variances and prevent cost overruns. Support and implement robust change control processes aligned with delegation of authority, ensuring compliance with company and industry standards. Prepare detailed management-level cost reports, including forecasts, commitments, contingencies, variance analysis, and trend reporting. Develop, maintain, and update overall project plans and schedules, providing backup support as needed. Coordinate data gathering, analysis, and presentation activities to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget. Design and execute cost control measures, cash flow analysis, and forecasts for individual projects and programs. Apply basic risk management tools, such as R, Y, G charts, to assess project risks. Facilitate forecasting and planning meetings; generate reports on progress curves and monthly expenditure forecasts. Lead interactive planning sessions at each project phase to support plan development and update estimates. Manage billing processes, review invoices for accuracy, and track against contractual constraints. Research and resolve unexpected issues, discrepancies, or inaccuracies related to project costs or documentation. Oversee project priorities, materials receipt documentation, and maintain organized records. Serve as the primary contact for project control inquiries and manage data across multiple platforms. Facilitate the administrative closeout process to formally close projects. Contribute to safety practices, ensuring compliance and promoting a safety-conscious work environment. Perform other duties as assigned, including non-traditional hours or special project tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• A minimum 7 years of direct experience in project control, financial analysis, or related fields.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring team members, with the ability to provide guidance and oversight.
• Deep understanding of project cost forecasting, budgeting, and control principles.
• Familiarity with the needs of project managers and business units involved in development work.
• Good basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, etc.).
• Knowledge of natural gas and crude oil terminology is preferred.
• Understanding of FERC Standards of Conduct (Order 497).
• Experience with industry-specific software and systems (e.g., SAP, Oil & Gas ERP systems) is a plus.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office applications, especially Excel (formulas, pivot tables, ad hoc reporting), Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Oracle.
• Ability to perform data modeling, analysis, and advanced reporting tasks.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills; ability to mentor and develop junior staff.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize tasks and work under strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills for reporting, stakeholder coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Process-oriented with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to interpret and apply corporate policies, procedures, and industry standards related to the Gas/Oil Pipeline segment.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all work activities.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, AACE's Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or other project control certifications.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Familiarity of the Oracle ERP system, and specifically the Projects module
• Proficiency in Primavera, Microsoft project, or similar scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Control and monitor project total expenditure.
• Verify invoices and claims from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Provide planning and cost-controlling support for all projects.
• Provide project control support, including cost tracking, reporting, invoice management, account reconciliation, purchase order analysis, and project status updates.
• Conduct budget reviews, committed cost analysis, change order tracking.
• Support and implement robust change control processes.
• Prepare detailed management-level cost reports.
• Develop, maintain, and update overall project plans and schedules.
• Coordinate data gathering, analysis, and presentation activities.
• Design and execute cost control measures, cash flow analysis, and forecasts.
• Apply basic risk management tools to assess project risks.
• Facilitate forecasting and planning meetings; generate reports on progress curves and monthly expenditure forecasts.
• Lead interactive planning sessions at each project phase.
• Manage billing processes, review invoices for accuracy, and track against contractual constraints.
• Research and resolve unexpected issues, discrepancies, or inaccuracies related to project costs or documentation.
• Oversee project priorities, materials receipt documentation, and maintain organized records.
• Serve as the primary contact for project control inquiries and manage data across multiple platforms.
• Facilitate the administrative closeout process to formally close projects.
• Contribute to safety practices, ensuring compliance and promoting a safety-conscious work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including non-traditional hours or special project tasks.

What This Job Offers

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