Project Portfolio-Cost Analyst

Tallgrass • Houston, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for controlling and monitoring project total expenditure, including verifying and checking invoices and claims from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure all project expenditures are captured and properly recorded. Provides planning and cost-controlling support for all projects, including variation reporting, monitoring of milestone progress, and preparation of customer billing processes. This role offers project control support to the Project Management (PM) team overseeing large-scale energy capital projects, including upstream, midstream, pipeline, power generation, and infrastructure development. Activities include cost control, financial reporting, invoice processing, account reconciliation, purchase order management, and project status updates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in project control, financial analysis, or related fields, which may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Solid understanding of project control principles, including cost forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Ability to interpret and communicate basic project terminology, practices, and industry concepts.
• Familiarity with project management needs and how financial data supports project execution.
• Basic proficiency in natural gas and crude oil terminology (preferred).
• Knowledge of industry standards such as FERC Standards of Conduct (Order 497).
• Good mathematical skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, etc.
• Experience with financial systems and tools such as MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Oracle, and similar platforms.
• Ability to analyze data and generate reports with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).
• Strong process orientation with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with an ability to prioritize tasks within strict deadlines.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, ad hoc reports), with the capacity for detailed data analysis.
• Good communication skills, capable of working collaboratively with teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with company policies, industry practices, and how they relate to segment-specific operations.
• Ability to perform all essential functions with accuracy and professionalism.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and a proactive approach toward resolving issues.
• Willingness to work overtime or non-traditional hours as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Basic proficiency in natural gas and crude oil terminology
• Advanced degree from an accredited institution in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Familiarity of the Oracle ERP system, and specifically the Projects module
• Proficiency in Primavera, Microsoft project, or similar scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Provide project control support to the Project Management (PM) team overseeing large-scale energy capital projects, including upstream, midstream, pipeline, power generation, and infrastructure development. Activities include cost control, financial reporting, invoice processing, account reconciliation, purchase order management, and project status updates.
• Conduct detailed budget status reviews, committed cost analysis, tracking of purchase orders (POs), change orders, and act as an audit function to ensure all variances are identified and addressed proactively to prevent project cost overruns.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive change management processes aligned with delegated authority limits, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as API, ASME, and industry-specific safety and operational standards.
• Prepare and present detailed, management-level cost reports for capital projects, including open commitments, forecasted costs, contingencies, and line-item variance analysis relative to project budgets, baseline schedules, and forecast revisions.
• Develop, maintain, and update integrated project schedules and cost baselines, providing backup support for schedule and cost integrations throughout project phases.
• Establish effective communication channels with internal teams (engineering, procurement, construction) and external vendors or contractors to facilitate accurate data collection, risk assessment, and timely decision-making.
• Design, implement, and monitor project-specific cost control measures, including detailed cash flow analysis, forecasting, and Earned Value Management System (EVMS) reporting, tailored to energy project requirements.
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of risk management tools (e.g., R, Y, G charts, risk registers) and conduct risk analysis related to project schedule, cost, and safety aspects.
• Lead and facilitate project forecasting, cost estimating sessions, and schedule review meetings with stakeholders to ensure alignment and proactive management of potential deviations.
• Generate and distribute regular progress reports, including Spend Forecasts, Schedule Updates, and Variance Analyses, to support decision-making for project owners and stakeholders.
• Review invoice accuracy, ensuring costs are aligned with contractual terms and project budgets, especially in procurement and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contexts.
• Track and manage budgets against POs and subcontracts, including bid packages and change orders, ensuring adherence to financial controls.
• Gather, organize, and retain all project-related documentation, including procurement records, change request approvals, and receipt of major equipment/materials.
• Serve as a focal point for project control questions, data management, and reporting, ensuring data integrity across multiple enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle, SAP, or Primavera P6.
• Facilitate project closeout procedures, including final cost reconciliation, documentation review, and formal project completion reporting in compliance with energy sector standards.
• Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, and environmental compliance, supporting the project team to uphold safety standards and mitigate risks.
• Support supplemental duties such as non-traditional hours, site visits, and participation in safety or project review meetings as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, documentation, and best practices tailored to energy project delivery processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.

What This Job Offers

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