Role summary / purpose The Principal Project Controls Cost Specialist is a critical expert-level position leading the development of cost management reporting systems for project controls assignments. This technical, subject matter expert role supports Project Managers and Project Directors on projects and programs of varying size and complexity, performing complex project cost estimating, job cost control, scheduling, and change management documentation at both individual project and program/portfolio levels. Key responsibilities Develop, review, and analyze detailed job cost reports including assessment of cost commitments, month-end accruals and 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 including cost, contract, WBS, schedule, and resource management 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 Advanced analytics capabilities related to schedule, cost, and risk Strong collaborative team member with ability to lead complex assignments Exceptional communication skills Expert-level understanding and application of complex project controls principles 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 including MS Office Suite, Primavera, Business Objects, Prolog, Passport, Visio, Access, Powerplant, Maximo or EAM, PeopleSoft, and risk management tools/Monte Carlo analysis Expert-level Excel proficiency 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, with travel to project sites or main office three days per week. Work environment is office/hybrid with likely site visits. Personal vehicle use is required for offsite travel as needed. During site visits, Personal Protective Equipment (hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, safety shoes) is required. No physical labor or hazardous work conditions are anticipated.

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If workload changes during the assignment and becomes more variable on an as-needed basis, the worker's classification may need to be reviewed by the employer.