Project Cost Analyst (Associate – Mid) | GENERATION Site Development & Construction

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls for team activities supporting the Project Managers (PMs), or other staff, including overseeing the cost reporting for multiple projects and monitoring project budgets to assure accurate depiction of project cost on base and intermediate projects under direct supervision. Responsibilities include input of budgets within the AEP corporate systems, providing ongoing forecast updates and variance analysis at the program and project levels, input and tracking of key performance indicators, and working collaboratively with project teams to implement project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle. Provides communication and develops partnerships with internal and/or external customers. Depending on the business unit assigned, this position might also be responsible for the creation of work orders and having direct interface in coordinating with external contractors and vendors to integrate these parties into the overall project budget and schedule. Support power generation siting studies by maintaining all program financials, supporting SMEs in the development of estimates, create and maintain team schedules, maintain the team database, maintain team metrics, and help develop team reports. The role requires proficiency in office software, database management, and the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams. We want highly motivated and detail-oriented people who are team players.

Requirements

No experience required with a qualified Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
With a High School Diploma, a minimum of two (2) years' qualified experience.
Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures.
Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, and project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
Demonstrate ability to manage time effectively and efficiently and demonstrate organizational and planning skills, as well an aptitude for accuracy, attention to detail and ability to achieve goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills along with a professional demeanor and commitment to customer service and teamwork.
Proficient in use of computer and MS Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Team player with ability to work and collaborate well with others.
Safely and effectively perform light physical duties at various work sites including home and AEP locations in varying conditions.
Understand and support the policies, values, principles, structure and behavior of AEP.

Nice To Haves

Some travel, including overnight, may be required
Exposure to corporate accounting and project cost management systems, construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems is preferred but not required
For nuclear positions, work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within the limits prescribed by the NRC.

Responsibilities

Coordinate project meetings and work with project team members on project activities.
Support the PM in the preparation and updating of project documentation and planning.
Assist with preparing forecasts of project spending and cash flows, budget variance monitoring, cost tracking/analysis.
Provide analysis and verification for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) activities and assist with providing input to annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan and improvement requisitions.
Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.
Collaborate with Project Management (PM), and other vested parties to perform variance reporting and/or establish original baseline budgets that are time-phased with dates from the system schedule.
Create project breakdown structures.
Perform some departmental organizational functions when necessary and as assigned to ensure the smooth operation of project functions.
Track, analyze, and verify information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs), keeping project system records current and complete, and coordinating the work order process related to a project from creation of the work order through in-servicing and closing.
Assist in the contracting process, including bidding activities, analysis of cost, and cost tracking.
Communicate with project team, resources, and other internal and external stakeholders on various budgetary items.
Work with others in both supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.
Perform varied assignments demonstrating technical knowledge and analytical techniques to solution of problems or analysis.
Apply problem solving skills to resolve technical problems and initiate solution techniques.
Develop an understanding of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are measurable outcomes (scope, budgeting, schedule performance, cost performance, forecasting, etc.).
Provide strong teamwork with colleagues, vendors and/or customers and responding to customer/vendor inquiries, resolving work order issues and/or implementing action plans in a fast-paced, results-oriented team.
Develop an understanding of the AEP project/work management organizational standards and assist in the management of projects to those standards.
Adhere to the guidance and standards put forth by the AEP Project Management Governance Committee.