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About the job

Summary

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 & Responsibilities

Project Cost Controls & Financial Management

Maintain and manage the accuracy and integrity of project budgets and financial forecasts

Ensure compliance with established cost management procedures and policies

Monitor budget performance throughout the project lifecycle

Support overall project financial health and reporting accuracy

Participate in monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviews

Collaborate with PMO teams on variance analysis

Identify underlying causes of budget variances

Recommend corrective actions and mitigation strategies

Allocate and manage Estimates to Complete (ETCs)

Support change order proposals, task order requests, PBAs, and vendor requests

Ensure alignment with project financial objectives

Maintain accurate cost coding and budget allocation

Perform monthly reconciliation of budgets and project costs

Ensure month-end reporting accuracy

Validate cost tracking data and financial records

Monitor cost overruns and underruns

Review and analyze project budgets across multiple funding sources

Ensure alignment with overall financial goals

Track and forecast project expenditures

Identify financial risks and exposures

Forecasting, Reporting & Analysis

Conduct detailed analysis of:

Cost variances

Performance data

Forecasting trends

Schedule and cash flow impacts

Generate detailed financial and budget reports using:

Proliance

Deltek Costpoint

Excel

Other project controls systems

Create customized reports for:

College Project Directors

PMO leadership

Campus stakeholders

Financial and auditing teams

Assist with staffing analysis and resource forecasting

Identify demand peaks

Recommend cost-effective staffing strategies

Support financial efficiency initiatives

Change Management & Project Controls

Participate in change management and risk assessment meetings

Analyze cost-related trends and exposures

Support proactive mitigation planning

Monitor effectiveness of mitigation efforts

Assist with preparation and validation of:

Contract amendments

Purchase requisitions

Task order requests

Change orders

PBAs

Financial closeouts

Administer project control documentation within cost management systems

Ensure financial accuracy and compliance

Maintain reporting standards and procedures

Support dashboard and reporting development

Manage and reconcile project controls data

Validate project budget information

Maintain database accuracy

Ensure alignment between financial systems and project reporting

Collaboration & Stakeholder Support

Serve as a primary point of contact for project financial information requests

Provide timely and accurate reporting

Support PMO and stakeholder communication

Collaborate closely with project teams and leadership

Work with scheduling teams to:

Evaluate cash flow impacts

Assess schedule performance impacts on costs

Identify forecasting concerns and financial risks

Support contractor and consultant payment application reviews

Ensure compliance and financial accuracy

Validate supporting documentation

Assist with approvals and reconciliation

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Experience

5–10 years of professional experience in:

Project controls

Program controls

Construction cost management

Capital construction programs

Experience supporting projects through the full project lifecycle

Strong knowledge of:

Cost management

Schedule management

Earned value management

Forecasting

Risk assessment

Change management

Experience presenting financial and cost data to leadership teams

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to work effectively in:

Fast-paced environments

Team-oriented settings

Professional business environments

Preferred Experience

Experience with:

Proliance

Deltek Costpoint

Data Warehouse systems

Large capital construction programs

Educational facility projects

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in:

Engineering

Construction Management

Business

Related field

Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Employment Type: Full time

Location: Los Angeles, CA