Project Cost Analyst

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and forecasting project costs for capital improvement grants and construction projects, with a focus on transit infrastructure projects such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), station construction, and maintenance facilities. This position ensures compliance with public funding requirements, including Federal, State, and local regulations, while ensuring financial accuracy. Supports project controls and helps maintain projects within budget while aligning with contractual requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develops, maintains, and monitors project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts.

Tracks and analyzes actual costs vs. project budgets and agency's' annual CIG budget and reports trends and variances to project managers.

Supports project controls functions, including change management and earned value analysis.

Reviews, validates, and tracks contractor invoices, change orders, and claims in accordance with public procurement standards.

Prepares monthly cost reports, variance reports, Earned Value (EV) reports, and financial summaries for stakeholders.

Collaborates with project managers, engineers, and finance teams to ensure data accuracy.

Assists in risk analysis and contingency planning for transit construction projects.

Maintains cost control systems in compliance with agency and regulatory standards.

Ensures proper documentation and audit readiness for all financial related activities.

Ensures compliance with city, State, and Federal funding requirements, including documentation for audits and grant reporting.

Tracks project funding sources and draw downs.

This job description excludes marginal functions that are incidental to performing the job. Other duties may exist.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, and five (5) years of experience in construction cost analysis or project controls. Experience may be substituted in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis up to four (4) years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with public sector or federally funded transit projects.

Familiarity with FTA (Federal Transit Administration) guidelines and reporting requirements.

CCP (Certified Cost Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques.

Experience using Microsoft Power BI.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of cost control principles, budgeting, and forecasting.

Knowledge of construction contracts and change order processes.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, as well as project management and cost management software (Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communications skills, both verbally and written, with an emphasis on reporting abilities.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to navigate complex regulatory and reporting environments.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Must be able to maintain good work attendance.

Safety Accountability Statement:

Employees must consider safety in all tasks performed, as well as demonstrate safe judgment and decisions that not only maintain their own safety; but that of fellow employees and customers.

Demonstrate a professional commitment to assure compliance with all organizational policies, practices, and programs related to safety, health, and system security.

Employees have a responsibility to identify and report hazards, as well as potentially unsafe conditions, to your immediate supervisor or Safety Department.

Employees are responsible, a nd required , to stop a job/task to prevent an unsafe incident or act from occurring. This acknowledges the threat of potential injury, property damage and the opportunity for better judgment to be used.

Must comply with and support all applicable VIA EEO Policies and Procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical ability required to be mobile, bend, stoop, stand, reach, and occasionally lift 5-25 pounds of objects, such as files, equipment and supplies, and books.

WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

Work involves deadlines and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment supporting large, complex infrastructure projects.

Works mostly within a normal office environment, with periodic travel to project locations.

Works mostly standard office hours (M-F, 8-5) but may be required to work occasional weekends.

VIA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunity to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.