Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst)

Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst)Our client is seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst) to support large-scale capital construction projects for the Los Angeles Community College District. This individual will play a critical role in project budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, financial reporting, and change management throughout the full project lifecycle.The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in construction cost controls within large capital programs. This person should be comfortable collaborating with project teams, leadership, and stakeholders while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong experience with budgeting systems, financial reporting, forecasting, and project controls software is required.Duties & ResponsibilitiesProject Cost Controls & Financial ManagementMaintain and manage the accuracy and integrity of project budgets and financial forecastsEnsure compliance with established cost management procedures and policiesMonitor budget performance throughout the project lifecycleSupport overall project financial health and reporting accuracyParticipate in monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviewsCollaborate with PMO teams on variance analysisIdentify underlying causes of budget variancesRecommend corrective actions and mitigation strategiesAllocate and manage Estimates to Complete (ETCs)Support change order proposals, task order requests, PBAs, and vendor requestsEnsure alignment with project financial objectivesMaintain accurate cost coding and budget allocationPerform monthly reconciliation of budgets and project costsEnsure month-end reporting accuracyValidate cost tracking data and financial recordsMonitor cost overruns and underrunsReview and analyze project budgets across multiple funding sourcesEnsure alignment with overall financial goalsTrack and forecast project expendituresIdentify financial risks and exposuresForecasting, Reporting & AnalysisConduct detailed analysis of:Cost variancesPerformance dataForecasting trendsSchedule and cash flow impactsGenerate detailed financial and budget reports using:ProlianceDeltek CostpointExcelOther project controls systemsCreate customized reports for:College Project DirectorsPMO leadershipCampus stakeholdersFinancial and auditing teamsAssist with staffing analysis and resource forecastingIdentify demand peaksRecommend cost-effective staffing strategiesSupport financial efficiency initiativesChange Management & Project ControlsParticipate in change management and risk assessment meetingsAnalyze cost-related trends and exposuresSupport proactive mitigation planningMonitor effectiveness of mitigation effortsAssist with preparation and validation of:Contract amendmentsPurchase requisitionsTask order requestsChange ordersPBAsFinancial closeoutsAdminister project control documentation within cost management systemsEnsure financial accuracy and complianceMaintain reporting standards and proceduresSupport dashboard and reporting developmentManage and reconcile project controls dataValidate project budget informationMaintain database accuracyEnsure alignment between financial systems and project reportingCollaboration & Stakeholder SupportServe as a primary point of contact for project financial information requestsProvide timely and accurate reportingSupport PMO and stakeholder communicationCollaborate closely with project teams and leadershipWork with scheduling teams to:Evaluate cash flow impactsAssess schedule performance impacts on costsIdentify forecasting concerns and financial risksSupport contractor and consultant payment application reviewsEnsure compliance and financial accuracyValidate supporting documentationAssist with approvals and reconciliationQualifications & RequirementsRequired Experience5–10 years of professional experience in:Project controlsProgram controlsConstruction cost managementCapital construction programsExperience supporting projects through the full project lifecycleStrong knowledge of:Cost managementSchedule managementEarned value managementForecastingRisk assessmentChange managementExperience presenting financial and cost data to leadership teamsStrong communication and organizational skillsAbility to work effectively in:Fast-paced environmentsTeam-oriented settingsProfessional business environmentsPreferred ExperienceExperience with:ProlianceDeltek CostpointData Warehouse systemsLarge capital construction programsEducational facility projectsAdvanced Microsoft Excel skillsEducation RequirementsBachelor's Degree in:EngineeringConstruction ManagementBusinessRelated fieldAdditional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis