Lead Cost Analyst

PTS Advance • Houston, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Cost Analyst is responsible for controlling and monitoring total project expenditures. This includes verifying and checking invoices and claims from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors, ensuring all project expenditures are captured and properly recorded. The role provides planning and cost control support across all project phases, including variation reporting, milestone monitoring, and customer billing processes. The position also involves leading interactive planning sessions, managing billing processes, researching discrepancies, and facilitating administrative project closeout activities. Additionally, the role promotes safety compliance and may require performing other duties as assigned, including non-traditional hours or special projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project control, financial analysis, or related fields.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members.
• Strong understanding of project cost forecasting, budgeting, and control principles.
• Familiarity with project manager and business unit needs.
• Knowledge of natural gas and crude oil terminology preferred.
• Understanding of FERC Standards of Conduct (Order 497).
• Experience with SAP or Oil & Gas ERP systems is a plus.
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel (pivot tables, formulas, reporting).
• Familiarity with SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Oracle.
• Ability to perform data modeling, analysis, and advanced reporting.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and process orientation.
• Ability to interpret and apply corporate and industry standards.
• Adaptability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

Nice To Haves

• PMP, AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or similar certification.
• Advanced degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Familiarity with Oracle Projects module.
• Proficiency in Primavera, Microsoft Project, or similar scheduling tools.

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, and change order tracking to prevent cost overruns.
• Support and implement robust change control processes aligned with delegation of authority.
• Prepare detailed management cost reports including forecasts, commitments, contingencies, variance analysis, and trends.
• Develop, maintain, and update project plans and schedules; provide backup support as required.
• Coordinate project data analysis and presentation to ensure schedule and budget compliance.
• Design and execute cost control measures, cash flow analysis, and forecasts.
• Apply basic risk management tools such as R/Y/G charts.
• Facilitate forecasting and planning meetings; prepare progress curves and monthly expenditure forecasts.
• Lead interactive planning sessions during all project phases.
• Manage billing processes and review invoices for contractual compliance.
• Research and resolve discrepancies related to project costs or documentation.
• Maintain project records, materials receipt documentation, and priorities.
• Serve as primary contact for project control inquiries across systems.
• Facilitate administrative project closeout activities.
• Promote safety compliance and a safety-conscious work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including non-traditional hours or special projects.

Benefits

• May be required to carry a company cell phone and respond during non-working hours.
• Subject to drug screening and background check, including credit check where applicable.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

What This Job Offers

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