Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst) – Los Angeles, CA

CMTS LLC • Los Angeles, CA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

CMTS is seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst) to support large-scale capital construction and educational facility programs throughout Los Angeles, CA. This role is responsible for managing project budgets, cost forecasting, financial reporting, and cost control processes while collaborating closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, the Program Management Office (PMO), contractors, consultants, and College stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects and financial priorities within a fast-paced construction program environment.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–10 years of professional experience in program and/or project controls within a construction program environment
• Experience supporting projects through the full project lifecycle
• Strong knowledge of cost management, schedule management, forecasting, earned value management, change management, and risk assessment principles
• Ability to analyze and present financial and project data in a clear and organized manner
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and project requirements
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism in all communications and interactions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience working with project controls systems and financial reporting tools

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting educational facility or public-sector construction programs
• Experience utilizing Proliance, Deltek Costpoint, Data Warehouse systems, or similar project controls platforms
• Experience working on large capital improvement programs with multiple funding sources
• Experience supporting BuildLACCD programs or similar public agencies
• Professional certifications related to project controls, cost engineering, or construction management are a plus

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage the accuracy and integrity of project budgets and financial forecasts while ensuring compliance with established cost management procedures and policies
• Collaborate with Project and Construction Managers in the preparation of white papers for project establishment, re-baselining efforts, and funding requests for capital projects
• Participate in monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviews with the PMO, providing detailed variance analysis and identifying root causes impacting project performance
• Allocate and manage Estimates to Complete (ETCs), including change order proposals, task order requests, online vendor portal requests, and Project Budget Adjustments (PBAs)
• Participate in change management and risk assessment meetings to evaluate cost-related trends, risks, and exposures while supporting proactive mitigation strategies
• Conduct detailed analysis of cost variances, project performance metrics, and financial trends to identify budget impacts and recommend corrective actions
• Perform monthly reconciliation of project budgets and costs to ensure accurate month-end reporting and financial data integrity
• Track and analyze project cost trends and mitigation plan effectiveness against actual performance and forecasts
• Review project budgets and expenditures across multiple funding sources to ensure alignment with overall financial goals and objectives
• Coordinate with scheduling teams to assess the impact of cash flow and schedule performance on project costs, identifying variances and forecasting concerns
• Review and analyze financial reports, cost performance data, and progress metrics to identify and communicate potential financial risks
• Evaluate staffing plans to identify resource demand peaks and recommend cost-effective resource leveling strategies
• Assist in the preparation and validation of contract amendment exhibits, task order requests, PBAs, and change orders while ensuring proper budget allocation and cost coding accuracy
• Ensure compliance with BuildLACCD policies and procedures related to cost management for capital projects with multiple funding sources
• Generate detailed financial and budget reports for campus-specific budgeting, cost control, auditing, and asset tracking
• Prepare and deliver customized financial, budget, and schedule reports in response to requests from the College Project Director (CPD) and project stakeholders
• Serve as the primary point of contact for financial information requests from CPLT and the PMO, providing timely and accurate budget and cost data
• Administer budget transfers, financial closeouts, contract requests, purchase requisitions, amendments, PBAs, change orders, and related documentation within project cost management systems
• Collaborate with the PMO to validate and collect project budget data to support the development of accurate dashboard reporting
• Manage and reconcile project controls data to ensure accuracy across program control databases and financial reporting systems
• Oversee the review and approval process for contractor and consultant payment applications to ensure compliance and financial accuracy
• Assist in assembling contract requests, purchase requisitions, amendments, PBAs, and change orders while ensuring proper accounting treatment and supporting documentation alignment
• Support the collection of physical completion data and perform related data entry updates to adjust project budgets and forecasts accordingly
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of cost management initiatives and overall program success

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance coverage

What This Job Offers

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