Project Cost Analyst

Project Cost Analyst Columbus, OH Job Details Full-time 14 hours ago Qualifications Project reporting Cash flow management Business financial process improvement Financial forecasting Record keeping Stakeholder engagement Internal controls Microsoft Excel Variance analysis Construction cost control Bachelor's degree in finance Engineering ERP systems Bachelor's degree in construction management Bachelor's degree in business Process improvement Mid-level SOX Corporate accounting Finance Key Performance Indicators Analysis skills Bidding project phase Bachelor's degree in engineering Construction budget management Public utility experience Financial control management Cost accounting Mentoring Organizational skills Accounting and finance experience Cost estimates Productivity software 1 year Earned value management Bachelor's degree in accounting Business Associate's degree Construction project budgeting Accounting Construction Management Communication skills Stakeholder management

Full Job Description 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