Senior Cost Analyst

A JAB Recruitment client is seeking a Senior/Lead Cost Analyst to add to their Houston based team.

Please Note:

• This is an ONSITE role 5 days per week in office.
• This is a CONTRACT role - estimated term 6-12 months with the opportunity to convert to permanent based on performance, business need and internal approvals.
• Office location is Greenway Plaza 77046
• Must be authorized to work in the US indefinitely for any employer without present or future need for sponsorship.
• Local candidates preferred to start within 2 weeks of final interview.

Overview:

JAB Recruitment is searching for a highly skilled Senior Cost Analyst to support complex capital projects by providing expert-level cost control and financial planning. This role will work closely with project management teams to track and manage budgets, analyze variances, forecast costs, and maintain financial compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead project cost control activities including budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking across multiple project phases.
• Review and validate vendor and subcontractor invoices to ensure proper coding and contractual compliance.
• Generate accurate and timely cost reports including open commitments, actuals, variances, and trends.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis to identify potential overruns or cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain project cash flow models and regularly update financial forecasts.
• Support the implementation and enforcement of change control processes in alignment with corporate governance standards.
• Participate in and facilitate planning and forecasting meetings with internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure accurate tracking of purchase orders, subcontracts, and change orders.
• Serve as the main point of contact for project controls and cost reporting inquiries.
• Prepare and track billing documentation and ensure timely submission of client invoices.
• Contribute to project closeout processes, ensuring financial data is complete, accurate, and archived appropriately.
• Assist in managing integrated data from various platforms (ERP, Excel, reporting tools, etc.) to consolidate project financials.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Equivalent experience (5-10 years in cost control or project analysis) may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience & Skills:

• Proven experience in project cost control, financial forecasting, or project accounting within the energy, infrastructure, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, financial modeling).
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle (Projects module preferred).
• Familiarity with scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS Finance, or equivalent).
• Experience with project controls in pipeline, oil & gas, or utility projects.
• Working knowledge of FERC Standards of Conduct and regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and collaborative reporting platforms.

JAB Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V