Project Cost Specialist

Project Controls Cost Analyst - Data Center - Lubbock, TX

This role is responsible for providing accurate cost reporting, forecasting, labor tracking, and financial analysis to ensure projects remain on budget and on schedule.

The ideal candidate has experience in project controls, cost management, forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and change management within the oil & gas, industrial, energy, or EPC construction industries. Strong Excel skills, analytical abilities, and attention to detail are essential for success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze weekly project cost reports for both internal stakeholders and clients.
• Prepare weekly and monthly labor productivity, labor performance, and progress reports.
• Track project costs related to indirect labor, equipment rentals, subcontractors, and other project expenditures.
• Assist with change management processes, including change orders, budget revisions, trends, and contingency tracking.
• Provide accurate cost forecasting and identify potential budget impacts before they occur.
• Participate in bi-weekly and monthly project cost review meetings with project leadership.
• Support monthly project forecasting and financial reporting activities.
• Maintain project budgets and cost data within project tracking systems.
• Audit payroll coding and labor allocations for accuracy.
• Perform data validation and financial audits to ensure reporting integrity.
• Coordinate with procurement, accounting, payroll, and billing teams to ensure accurate project financial information.
• Process cost corrections and reconcile discrepancies.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting and project performance analysis.
• Complete additional project controls and financial analysis duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in Project Controls, Cost Control, Cost Management, Project Management, or Change Management within an EPC contractor, industrial construction, energy, or oil & gas environment preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business, or a related field may be considered in lieu of industry experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with project budgeting, forecasting, earned value management, and cost reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional project teams.

Preferred Experience

• Data Center Experience
• EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) project experience
• Oil & Gas, Industrial, Energy, Petrochemical, or Heavy Construction experience
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Cost forecasting and budget management
• Change order administration
• Labor productivity reporting
• Project financial analysis