Project Controls Specialist – Cost Controls (Electric Utilities)

Carian•Washington DC, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

CARIAN is seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist to support electric utility capital programs in the Washington, DC and Maryland region. The role focuses on cost management, forecasting, and financial reporting across utility capital projects, including budget management, accruals, invoice reviews, variance analysis, and capital expenditure reporting. The specialist works closely with Project Managers, engineering and construction teams, and client stakeholders to maintain financial accuracy and provide reliable cost projections throughout the project lifecycle. Prior experience supporting Exelon or one of its operating utilities is required. This is a hybrid position with flexibility for remote work and periodic in-person client or team meetings as needed. The role supports multiple projects and contributes to annual capital planning, budget updates, and long-range capital expenditure and workload forecasting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant professional certifications and equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project cost controls, project controls engineering, or capital project financial management.
Prior experience supporting Exelon or an Exelon operating utility, such as Pepco, Delmarva Power, Atlantic City Electric, BGE, PECO, or ComEd, in a project controls or related capacity.
Demonstrated experience developing project cost forecasts, managing accruals, tracking commitments, and performing budget variance analysis.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard Microsoft Office applications.
Experience working with utility project management, financial, or cost reporting systems.
Ability to work independently across multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting reporting deadlines.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to work directly with utility Project Managers and client stakeholders.
Ability to attend periodic client meetings in the Washington, DC and Maryland region as needed.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Asset Suite 8.
Familiarity with Primavera P6, project scheduling, or integrated cost and schedule reporting.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, forecasts, and estimates at completion across assigned capital projects.
Prepare monthly, annual, and multi-year cash flow forecasts for labor, materials, equipment, and contractor expenditures.
Monitor actual costs, commitments, accruals, and projected expenditures against approved budgets.
Review contractor invoices, purchase orders, and change orders to validate costs and support accurate monthly accrual reporting.
Perform cost variance analysis, identify budget risks, and recommend corrective actions to Project Managers and program leadership.
Prepare and maintain project cost reports detailing actual expenditures, outstanding commitments, forecasted costs, remaining budgets, and cost variances.
Coordinate and lead cost forecasting discussions with Project Managers and project stakeholders to obtain timely financial updates and validate projections.
Support annual capital planning, budget updates, and long-range capital expenditure and workload forecasting.
Reconcile financial information across project management, accounting, and client reporting systems to maintain data accuracy and consistency.
Coordinate with scheduling and project delivery teams to incorporate project progress, milestones, and anticipated changes into cost forecasts.