Project Cost Analyst (Principal - Staff)

Job Posting End Date

06-01-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Project Cost Analyst (Principal - Staff) is responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls in support of Project Managers and other team members. This role oversees cost reporting for multiple projects, monitors project budgets, and ensures accurate project cost representation on large, complex projects under minimal supervision. Responsibilities include inputting budgets into corporate systems, providing forecast updates and variance analysis, tracking key performance indicators, and collaborating with project teams to apply project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

This position also supports communication and partnership development with internal and external customers and may be responsible for training, continuous improvement, work order creation, and coordination with contractors and vendors depending on business unit needs.

Job Description

What you'll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Coordinate project meetings and support project team members with project activities.

• Assist the Project Manager with preparation and updates to project documentation and planning.

• Prepare forecasts of project spending, cash flows, budget variance monitoring, and cost tracking/analysis.

• Provide analysis and verification for SOX activities as needed.

• Assist with annual budgets, capital forecasts, five-year plans, and improvement requisitions.

• Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.

• Develop, recommend, and implement plans for scheduling, resource, and cost control for complex problems.

• Collaborate with Project Management, Project Controls, and other stakeholders to:

• perform variance reporting,

• establish original baseline budgets,

• create project work plans,

• create project breakdown structures.

• Track, analyze, verify, and submit information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs).

• Maintain complete and current project system records.

• Coordinate the work order process from creation through in-servicing and closing.

• Assist with evaluating contracting methods, creating contract requisitions, bidding activities, and cost analysis.

• Communicate with project teams, resources, and stakeholders regarding budgetary items.

• Resolve moderately complex problems independently and make technical decisions based on calculated risks.

• Perform assignments requiring technical knowledge and analytical problem-solving skills.

• Develop and compile KPIs for scope, budget, schedule, cost performance, forecasting, and related measures.

• Direct and support administration of project/work management standards.

• Adhere to project management governance standards and guidance.

• Provide training, guidance, mentoring, and subject matter expertise to lower-level employees as assigned.

• Validate training completion and application.

• Recommend improvements to enhance role performance, project performance, and overall organizational performance.

• Negotiate and coordinate work with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to obtain and integrate project performance data.

• Support teamwork, respond to inquiries, resolve work order issues, and implement action plans in a fast-paced environment.

What we're looking for:

Education requirements are listed below:

• High School Diploma or GED with 4 years of experience as a Project Cost Analyst Sr.

• Associate's degree in a related field plus 8 years of qualified experience.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 6 years of qualified experience.

• Related fields may include: Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, Project Management

• Degree must be from an accredited college or university.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Utility-specific operations knowledge/experience with a working knowledge of work processes and procedures.

• Experience in one or more of the following: Design, Operations, Planning, Project Management, Cost tracking and analysis, Forecasting, Project budgeting, Accounting principles, Construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment

• Experience with corporate accounting and project cost management systems.

• Experience with construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems.

• Ability to work independently on moderately complex assignments.

• Experience collaborating with project teams, vendors, contractors, and internal/external stakeholders.

Other preferences:

• Professional or trade certification such as CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, or RMP is not required, but may be preferred depending on level and progression.

• Strong time management, organizational, and planning skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Ability to travel, including overnight travel, as needed.

• Ability to perform light physical duties at various work sites in varying conditions.

• Ability to work overtime, call-out overtime, and shift work as required.

• Ability to interface effectively with employees at all levels, including management.

• Strong problem-solving skills and creativity/innovation mindset.

• Ability to support nuclear site work, if applicable, including work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC limits.

What you'll get:

Base Salary from $98,933.00-$151,132.00/year. In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

#LI-Onsite

#AEPCareers

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$98,993.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.