Project Cost Analyst

Title: Project Cost Analyst
Location: Columbus, OH

Duration: Contract to Hire

Summary

We are seeking a Project Cost Analyst - Transmission & Capital Projects to support a high-visibility portfolio of competitive transmission and infrastructure projects. This role is heavily focused on forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis, variance reporting, and project financial controls, supporting Project Managers across multiple active capital initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a well-rounded blend of financial analysis, project controls, budgeting, contractor cost coordination, and accounting principles, with experience in utility, construction, or infrastructure environments. This is a 5-day onsite opportunity for local Columbus candidates, with strong long-term conversion potential.

Responsibilities
• Support Project Managers with budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost controls across multiple capital projects
• Prepare cash flow forecasts, spend plans, estimate-vs-actual reporting, and cost trend analysis
• Maintain project budgets within enterprise cost and financial systems
• Develop and manage time-phased baseline budgets and project breakdown structures
• Track and report KPIs, earned value metrics, and measurable project cost outcomes
• Coordinate project meetings and support documentation, planning, and cost governance
• Create, manage, and close project work orders
• Partner with contractors and vendors to integrate external costs into project budgets and schedules
• Support contracting workflows, bid cost analysis, requisitions, and financial documentation
• Assist with SOX controls, UVL analysis, capital planning, annual budgets, and five-year forecasts
• Maintain accurate project records and ensure adherence to governance standards
• Mentor junior team members and support best practices within the cost controls workstream
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, tools optimization, and reporting enhancements
• Support broader environmental stewardship, service delivery, and operational performance initiatives

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, Project Management, Finance, or related field with 1+ year of relevant experience

OR
• Associate's degree in a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
• Strong hands-on experience in forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis, and variance reporting
• Experience with project budgets, cash flow forecasting, and accounting principles
• Experience supporting capital projects, infrastructure programs, or construction-related budgets
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder partnership skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Must be a local candidate in Columbus or New Albany, Ohio
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in competitive transmission, utility, infrastructure, EPC, or capital construction environments
• Exposure to earned value management (EVM), project controls, KPI dashboards, and schedule integration
• Experience with SOX, UVLs, work orders, capital requisitions, and long-range planning
• Familiarity with ERP, enterprise cost systems, or corporate accounting platforms
• Experience working directly with vendors, contractors, and procurement teams
• Prior exposure to FERC 1000, transmission bids, grid modernization, or large utility capital programs
• Experience mentoring junior analysts or supporting team process improvements