Principal Project Controls Cost Specialist

Company introduction This role supports a major energy sector project portfolio, providing cost engineering and project controls expertise across multiple project sites. Role summary / purpose This is a 24-month assignment in project controls cost engineering support. The position is responsible for leading the development of cost management reporting systems, performing complex project cost estimating, and detail job cost control along with scheduling and change management documentation. The Principal Project Controls Cost Specialist serves as the expert and lead in the project controls core competency area of Cost Engineering, supporting Project Managers and Project Directors on projects and programs of varying size and complexity. Key responsibilities • Develop, review and analyze detailed job cost reports including assessment of cost commitments, month-end accruals, actuals adjustments, journal entries, remaining cost assessment and forecasting, purchase orders/contracts invoicing verification, contingency drawdown, risk profile balancing, estimate at completion cost assessment, and variance analysis to drive capital forecast predictability • Assess project schedule and cost estimates, including estimate basis and qualifications • Review and report on project monthly status reports • Monitor compliance with department requirements and Enterprise Policy and Standards • Provide analysis and forecasting of project cost performance • Assist Project Managers in project risk quantification, analysis, and management • Update project cost and risk information in systems and tools • Track and manage changes to project scope, schedule and cost baseline • Lead and direct the setup and reviews of project controls status (cost, contract, WBS, schedule, resource, etc.) Requirements – education & experience • Graduation from a four-year college or university in business, finance, project management, engineering, technical, or equivalent field • Minimum of 7 years of project controls experience • Alternatively, minimum of 11 years of project controls experience in lieu of a degree • Detailed knowledge and experience with multiple cost management and control practices • Experience with various cost estimating techniques • Knowledge of Project Risk Management best practices • Experience with review and analysis of contractor and vendor performance • Experience with financial and cost management systems • Knowledge of Project Change Control processes Required skills • Proficiency, expertise, and mastery with project management and project controls concepts and computer applications • Strong analytical capabilities • Ability to lead complex assignments • Exceptional communication skills • Strong collaborative team member Nice-to-have / preferred skills • Master's degree in business, finance, project management, or equivalent • PMI or AACE certification (PMP, CAPM, PMI-SP, AACE-CCC, AACE-PSP, AACE-CEP, AACE-EVP or equivalent) • Demonstrated expertise with software such as MS Office Suite, Primavera, Business Objects, Prolog, Passport, Visio, Access, Powerplant, Maximo or EAM, PeopleSoft, and risk management tools/Monte Carlo analysis • Expert user of Excel • Prior utility industry experience Employment details – type, location, hours This is a 24-month contract assignment. The position requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Work environment is office/hybrid with likely site visits thre…