Project Controls Cost Specialist (On-Site)

Cajun Industries Holdings•Baton Rouge, LA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Cajun Engineering Solutions (CES) is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Project Controls Cost Specialist to join our team in Gramercy, LA. This on-site role will support a key client and play a critical role in ensuring cost alignment. The Plant Project Controller (Cost Tracking Specialist) is responsible for overseeing financial performance, cost control, and project reporting for capital and operational projects within the plant. This role ensures accurate budgeting, forecasting, and cost monitoring to support effective decision‑making and maintain project profitability. The position works closely with project managers, engineering, procurement, and plant leadership to maintain financial discipline and transparency across all project activities.

Requirements

Valid TWIC
MSHA Certified
3–7 years of experience in project controls, cost tracking, or financial analysis (plant or industrial environment preferred).
SAP and other Project Management tools proficiency.
Strong knowledge of construction methods, scheduling, cost control, and contract documentation.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced project environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with capital projects, maintenance turnarounds, or construction projects is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, cost forecasts, and cash‑flow projections.
Track actual project costs against budgets and identify variances, trends, and risks.
Ensure proper allocation of labor, materials, equipment, and contractor expenses.
Validate and reconcile cost data from procurement, accounting, and field teams.
Prepare monthly project cost reports, KPIs, and performance dashboards for leadership.
Provide early warnings on cost overruns, schedule impacts, and financial risks.
Support project managers with scenario analysis, cost‑to-complete estimates, and financial modeling.
Maintain accurate project financial documentation and audit‑ready records.
Implement and enforce project control processes, cost‑tracking standards, and reporting procedures.
Support development of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and cost coding structures.
Review and validate purchase orders, invoices, change orders, and contract amendments.
Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies and internal controls.
Partner with engineering, procurement, construction, and plant operations to gather cost data and validate progress.
Participate in project review meetings and provide financial insights to stakeholders.
Coordinate with accounting to ensure accurate month‑end closing for project-related costs.