Project Controls Specialist IV (Cost Analyst) - Construction

CLMI Group is seeking a Project Controls Specialist IV (Cost Analyst) to support the Los Angeles Community College District’s (LACCD) BuildLACCD capital construction program within the Program Management Office (PMO).

The Project Controls Specialist IV (Cost Analyst) oversees the integrity and accuracy of project budgets and forecasts across a large-scale capital program with multiple funding sources. This senior role is embedded within the BuildLACCD Program Management Office and works closely with Project Managers, Construction Managers, and senior leadership to deliver cost management, variance analysis, forecasting, and strategic financial reporting.

Project Controls Specialist IV (Cost Analyst)

Budget & Forecast Oversight

• Oversee the integrity and accuracy of project budgets and forecasts in compliance with approved standard operating procedures.
• Review project budgets and expenditures, ensuring alignment with diverse funding sources and financial goals.
• Conduct budget and financial reconciliations, ensuring alignment between project forecasts, expenditures, and actual costs; address discrepancies and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Allocate Estimate to Complete (ETC) amounts as required for Project Budget Adjustments (PBAs), change orders, and other financial adjustments, and manage and monitor ETCs for each project to ensure timely and accurate tracking of financial changes.

Estimate at Completion & Variance Analysis

• Actively participate in monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) meetings, ensuring accurate validation, reviewing current EACs, and providing justification for any variances.
• Conduct thorough cost variance analyses to identify trends and proactively address potential budget impacts.
• Continuously monitor trends and associated mitigation plans, comparing projected versus actual performance over time.
• Collaborate closely with schedulers to evaluate cost and schedule performance, identifying cost overruns, delays, and variances in planned versus actual expenditures.

Change Management & Risk Assessment

• Contribute to change management discussions by identifying emerging trends, risks, and exposure factors.
• Engage in risk assessment workshops, offering insight on potential financial impacts and identifying mitigation strategies.
• Validate cost coding and budget allocations for contract change orders and amendments, assessing potential impacts on project timelines and financials.
• Develop and maintain change management logs in accordance with established processes and procedures.
• Analyze staffing plans to identify potential cost impacts, such as excessive peaks, and provide recommendations for optimizing resource allocation.

Reporting & Systems

• Create comprehensive reports related to budgeting, cost control, auditing, and asset tracking, utilizing systems such as e-Builder, Proliance, DELTEK, and other platforms used by the Program Management Office.
• Review and analyze monthly cost and progress reports to ensure alignment with project financial objectives.
• Support management with the preparation of regular and ad hoc budget and cost reports for project teams and senior leadership, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Provide support for weekly and monthly cost and status reports, keeping project teams informed of financial performance.

Financial Controls & Documentation

• Ensure that contracts, purchase orders, task orders, change orders, and amendments are accurately budgeted and reported, with proper cost coding and financial oversight.
• Enforce cost management policies and procedures for capital projects, especially those with multiple funding sources.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Construction Managers to maintain data coding structures, project control tools, and high-quality data for budgets, contracts, change orders, trends, and actual costs.
• Perform necessary data entry tasks related to budget and forecast updates.
• Travel to offsite project locations as required, and undertake additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of recent professional experience in project controls, particularly on a capital construction program.
• BS/BA degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or a related field. An additional four (4) years of qualifying experience in excess of the minimum stated above may be substituted in lieu of formal education.
• Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to organize and interpret complex financial data.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and advanced Excel functions.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in data analysis and reporting.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and a strategic approach to financial management.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven track record of working independently and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational financial goals and objectives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency with program management software including e-Builder, DELTEK, and Proliance, with demonstrated ability to leverage these tools for complex cost management, project tracking, and data reporting.
• Expertise in business intelligence and analytics tools, specifically Power BI and/or Tableau, for the creation of real-time cost reports, dashboards, and visualizations that facilitate strategic decision-making.
• Hands-on experience with data warehousing solutions for integrating and managing large volumes of financial and project data for analytical and reporting purposes.
• Strong understanding of cost control and budgeting principles within the context of large-scale projects.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain accurate project cost baselines, financial projections, and forecasts.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate multiple data sources across project management and financial systems to create cohesive, accurate financial reports for stakeholders.

Benefits

Offered rate of compensation will be based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including education, qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $150,000

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term / Long Term Disability / Life