Cost Controls Analyst

Cost Analytics Lead

When you care deeply about the work you do, it's rewarding to see it through from concept to completion. We partner with clients to provide both program management and construction management to strategize, plan, and implement projects that drive organizations forward. From hospitals and airports to university campuses, mass transit systems, water treatment facilities, mines, and wind farms, we've successfully managed thousands of projects. Joining our team, turning visionary ideas into reality, will shape your future—and the future of your community. We are strategizing, planning, and implementing projects that help clients achieve their organization's objectives. Join our award-winning program management team and bring transformational project solutions to life.

Your Opportunity

The Cost Analytics Lead provides advanced financial and cost analysis to support effective decision-making across capital programs and projects. This role transforms cost, schedule, and performance data into actionable insights, enabling proactive management of budgets, forecasts, risks, and funding strategies. The position partners with program controls, project managers, finance, and executive stakeholders to ensure cost transparency, accuracy, and predictability throughout the project lifecycle.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Cost Analytics & Forecasting
• Analyze project and portfolio budgets, forecasts, and Estimates at Completion (EAC), identifying trends, risks, and variances.
• Perform detailed cost variance, trend, and sensitivity analyses to support proactive corrective actions.
• Data-Driven Reporting & Insights
• Configure and review financial performance reports within existing reporting environment analytical reports, dashboards, and executive summaries focused on performance, cash flow, and funding status.
• Translate complex cost data into clear, concise insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Manage and report of portfolio performance of key projects, within the overall Program
• Financial Modeling & Cash Flow Analysis
• Review and analyze program and project cash flow models to support reporting strategies and financial performance.
• Analyze budget, funding and spend performance
• Detailed review of performance data from Reporting Dashboards and Program Management software
• Generate monthly budget update and cash flow projections required to model rates and revenue requirements
• Prepare reports that outline the program/project's financial position in the areas of funding and costs
• Data Quality & Governance
• Perform QA/QC on cost data, forecasts, and assumptions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and auditability.
• Establish standardized analytical methodologies, metrics, and reporting frameworks across projects.
• Change Management & Risk Support
• Analyze cost impacts associated with scope changes, risks, and claims.
• Support change management processes through scenario analysis and what-if modeling.
• Provide analytical input to support negotiations and decision-making related to cost allocation and funding strategies.
• Assist with Project Financial Management
• Maintain Contract Activity Reports (SLBE/ELBE, MBE, WBE, etc.)
• Monitor and report on program expenditures including consultant and contractor costs
• Provide QA/QC of monthly forecasts proposed by Project Managers in order to prepare monthly Estimate to Complete (ETC) updates
• Coordination of changes to contracts with consultants and contractors
• Support preparation of level of effort cost estimates
• Support preparation of work order packages
• QA/QC of Consultant and Contractor invoices
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• As a client representative, with oversight responsibilities; relationship and communication skills are of the highest importance.
• The ability to collaborate, communicate and work in a multi-function matrix is essential.
• Partner with project managers, schedulers, finance teams, and executives to align cost analytics with program objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor by providing objective, data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Support development of best practices in cost analytics and program controls across the organization.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

Advanced cost analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Expertise in budgets, EAC, cash flow, and variance analysis

Ability to communicate insights clearly and effectively

High attention to data integrity, governance, and process improvement

Previous experience in interpreting Dashboard data, (Power BI or similar) is preferred

Previous experience using Trimble Unity Construct (eBuilder), or similar, would be an advantage

Understanding project control concepts and ability to effectively communicate ideas to others.

Recognizes when technical problems are developing and initiates appropriate corrective actions.

Experience with Cost Management services including cost control, planning, earned value analysis, forecasting, report production, cash flow maintenance & change management

Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule.

Ability to participate and collaborate in project team setting and to engage in creative and critical thought.

Experience working within virtual collaborative work environments

Experience working on complex multi-discipline capital programs/projects is required

Experience working with collaborative platforms such as SharePoint is desired

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field

Professional designations such as CPA or CFA are an asset

5 years of experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or similar roles

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis software

Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial statements

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

About Stantec Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.

#Program&ProjectControls

Pay Range:

Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas-$78,700.00 - $114,100.00 Annually

Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$86,600.00 - $125,500.00 Annually

Pay Transparency:

In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary:

Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law). Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law. The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

Primary Location: United States | IL | Chicago

Organization: BC-2249 Water-US PMCM

Employee Status: Regular

Business Justification: New Position

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full time

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