Cost Controls Analyst

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 on 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 updates 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 to prepare monthly Estimate to Complete (ETC) updates. Coordinate 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 Act as a client representative with oversight responsibilities; relationship and communication skills are of the highest importance. 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 interpreting dashboard data (Power BI or similar) is preferred. Previous experience using Trimble Unity Construct (eBuilder) or similar is an advantage. Understanding project control concepts and ability to communicate ideas to others. Recognizes when technical problems are developing and initiates corrective actions. Experience in 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 a 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. 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). Primary Location United States | IL | Chicago Organization: BC-2249 Water-US PMCM Employee Status: Regular Business Justification: New Position Travel: Yes Schedule: Full time Job Posting: 11/05/2026 07:05:36 Req ID: 1005068 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Stantec prohibits discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stantec