Senior Cost Analyst

The final salary will depend on the candidates qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential. [Click here to learn more about our benefits]

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable and efficient commuter service.

Metras Capital Delivery Department is divided into seven sections:

• Stations and Parking Design
• Civil/Structural Design
• Electrical/Mechanical
• Engineering Construction
• NEPA
• Project Management
• Project Controls

The Station and Parking Design manages the design of Metras station and parking capital projects. The Wayfinding and Signs team is a subgroup of Stations and Parking Design that manages wayfinding and sign projects related to Metra stations. The Civil/Structural Design manages the design of capital infrastructure projects including tracks, bridges and yard facilities. Electrical/Mechanical manages traction power and mechanical capital projects. Construction manages the construction of capital projects. The NEPA team manages the environmental review and historic resources review processes for capital projects. The Project Management team leads various capital projects across the Capital Program. The Project Controls team continually improves the processes and systems that are used to manage capital projects.

Reporting to the Director of Project Controls, the Senior Cost Analyst develops, monitors and analyzes cost management processes within the project management information system (PMIS). Responsibilities include administering cost control, budgeting and change management, mapping costs to specific funding sources and entering budgets, estimates and related adjustments to ensure accurate financial tracking and compliance.

The primary duties include:

• Support the administration and use of the cost management system within PMIS by performing data entry and system updates.
• Assist in mapping costs by project phase for specific funding sources including grants, purchase orders and purchase agreements.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project budget forecasts, cost estimates, cash flows, spend curves, funding requests and expenditure tracking.
• Maintain financial models and tracking tools including the master project package number (PPN) list by requesting monthly updates from directors and ensuring accuracy.
• Monitor cost allocations across project elements throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate and lead monthly cost meetings with internal Capital Delivery disciplines and the Grants Department.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.