Project Cost Analyst (PMO Gas Platform)

DTE Energy•Detroit, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Cost Analyst partners with Project Managers, Schedulers, and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive financial support for a portfolio of projects through planning, execution, and close-out. The role develops time-based financial forecasts using project schedules and estimates, refines forecasts weekly, tracks project status, validates incurred costs, and manages monthly accruals to ensure financial data aligns with executed scope. At this level, the position oversees a larger portfolio of projects and requires problem-solving capabilities and leadership of processes. The role supports project execution and cost-scope management in coordination with controllers, estimators, logistics, supply chain, governance teams, field staff, and vendors. It uses knowledge of construction processes and project gating systems to support smooth execution and compliance with project standards. The analyst prepares forecasts and performance reports, analyzes metrics, provides variance commentary and ad hoc analysis, and contributes to resource planning for labor, materials, inventory, and contractor crews. This is a hybrid role with an established schedule of in-person work at an assigned location. Remote work is expected to be performed from the employee’s primary residence, subject to Company guidelines. The role requires availability to perform a primary assignment supporting DTE emergency response to storms or other events that affect customer service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Project Management, or Construction Management.
At least 3 years of job-relevant experience in construction management, project management, financial analysis, accounting, scheduling, or estimating.
Proficiency in Excel and SAP sufficient to support senior project cost analysts and leadership.
Experience with corporate operating-system software such as Maximo, SAP R/3, SRM, or BW.
Ability to apply project planning and implementation and/or continuous improvement principles to achieve tangible, positive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of financial analysis, project management, and risk management.
Ability to analyze complex financial data and develop optimal recommendations and solutions.
Experience collaborating in a team or matrixed structure while supporting multiple clients, procedures, and policies.
Working knowledge of Power BI, including building dashboards.

Responsibilities

Partner with Project Managers, Schedulers, and stakeholders to provide financial support throughout project planning, execution, and close-out.
Develop, maintain, and refine time-based project financial forecasts using project schedules and estimates on a weekly and monthly basis.
Track project status, validate incurred costs, and manage monthly accruals to ensure financial data aligns with executed scope.
Collaborate with project teams, controllers, estimators, logistics, supply chain, and governance teams to facilitate execution and manage cost scope.
Establish partnerships with contracted field staff, field personnel, and vendors; conduct site visits as needed to verify progress against milestones and address operational concerns.
Apply knowledge of construction processes and project gating systems to support execution and compliance with project standards.
Participate in project processes, including budget tracking, crew coordination, material planning, and other operational components.
Review and provide feedback on gating requests to ensure alignment with spend levels and cost-management controls.
Oversee timely closure of IOs while ensuring financial accuracy and compliance with organizational procedures.
Provide clear commentary on variances between actuals and forecasts to guide decision-making.
Analyze key performance metrics, prepare reports, and provide ad hoc analyses for leadership teams and field crew personnel.
Contribute to forecasting labor requirements, material purchases, inventory management, and contractor crew scheduling to optimize resources and project efficiency.
Be available to perform a primary assignment supporting DTE emergency response to storms or other events that impact customer service.