Job Title: Project Cost Analyst – Intermediate Location: Valparaiso, IN (Hybrid – Onsite 3 days per week) Duration: 1-Year Contract (with extensions) Rate: $40 – $45/hr (W2) Position Overview The Project Cost Analyst – Intermediate supports cost management, forecasting, and reporting activities for large, complex capital projects. This role applies integrated project controls expertise across cost, schedule, risk, and quality management to improve predictability, performance, and decision-making. The analyst partners closely with Project Managers and stakeholders to manage budgets, forecasts, contract financials, and cost performance baselines in alignment with Project Management Standards and industry best practices. Qualifications • Integrated knowledge of project scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality management principles. • Working understanding of project management guidelines, standards, processes, and job aids. • Proficiency in cost management, forecasting, and reporting tools and techniques. • Demonstrated ability to lead through situational leadership, influence stakeholders, and work effectively in team environments. • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to support value-based decision-making and conflict resolution. Required for Selection • High School Diploma with 8 years of experience using Microsoft Excel (or equivalent tools) for data manipulation, integration, and report generation OR • Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience in financial or cost management Preferred for Selection • Bachelor’s Degree with 8+ years of experience using Microsoft Excel or equivalent software for advanced data manipulation and reporting • Experience supporting large industrial or capital project environments • Ability to develop and review project estimates, budgets, and schedules Responsibilities • Manage and maintain project budgets, cost baselines, and Estimate at Completion (EAC). • Experience in utility construction project environments Excel skills Access skills SAP (S4/HANA) skills • Perform integrated cost and schedule forecasting using quantitative risk management techniques (e.g., Expected Monetary Value, sensitivity analysis). • Develop and maintain qualitative and quantitative project baselines to measure and improve performance. • Apply integrated risk and quality management techniques to optimize project cost outcomes. • Direct and support cost control efforts across the project lifecycle. • Process labor timesheets, invoices, accruals, and contract submittals; ensure proper coding to WBS, cost systems, and expense categories. • Conduct cost and schedule variance analysis; recommend corrective, preventive, and predictive actions. • Orchestrate contract commercial management activities, including payment review, contract performance assessment, and forecasting. • Produce standard and ad hoc cost reports for project stakeholders and leadership. • Utilize schedule analysis techniques to improve cost and schedule performance. • Support Project Managers, Major Project Managers, Directors, and stakeholders with accurate cost data and reporting. • Tailor and improve cost management tools, processes, and techniques to enhance predictability and performance. • Apply Project Management Guidelines, industry standards, and best practices consistently.