Cost Analyst

Motive Power; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Motive Power seeks a Cost Analyst to develop and maintain project cost models, forecasts, and scenario analyses. You will monitor budgets, analyze cost and schedule impacts, and prepare financial reports and dashboards for key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in cost controls or financial analysis, strong analytical and communication skills, and proficiency with Power BI and Excel. This hybrid Houston role offers travel to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Experience with cost management, forecasting, and earned value concepts.
• Proficiency with Power BI, Excel, and data visualization tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities for stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project cost models, forecasts, and scenario analyses.
• Prepare cash flow projections and support monthly forecasting cycles.
• Analyze cost and schedule impacts from scope changes and variances.
• Monitor budgets, actual costs, and financial performance for projects.
• Identify cost management gaps and recommend process improvements.
• Track monthly expenditures to evaluate earned value and forecast accuracy.
• Perform forensic analysis of project spending to ensure adherence to budgets.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and stakeholder presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to support cost control.
• Utilize tools like Power BI, Excel, and ERP/PM systems to analyze data.
• Maintain documentation to support audits and compliance.

Skills

Analytical modeling

Financial modeling

Power BI proficiency

Excel proficiency

Cost management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Power BI

Excel

ERP/PM systems

Job description

We are seeking a Cost Analyst to develop and maintain project cost models, forecasts, and scenario analyses and to support cost control and performance reporting. You will monitor budgets and actual costs, analyze the cost and schedule impacts of changes, and prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders. You will work with internal and external project teams in fast-paced project environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project cost models, financial forecasts, and scenario analyses.
• Prepare project cash flow projections and support monthly forecasting and reporting cycles.
• Analyze cost and schedule impacts resulting from scope changes, trends, or variances.
• Conduct in-depth monitoring and reporting of project budgets, actual costs, and financial performance.
• Identify cost management gaps and recommend process or data improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Track and analyze monthly expenditures to evaluate earned value and forecast predictability.
• Perform forensic analysis of project spending to ensure adherence to approved budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare financial and analytical reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal and external project teams to support cost control and performance reporting.
• Utilize financial and data tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, ERP or project management systems) to analyze and visualize project data.
• Maintain high-quality documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory filings.
• Promote safety culture through participation in safety initiatives and field activities when applicable. [AM1]

Typical Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
• Proficiency with reporting and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, or similar).
• Knowledge of project cost management, forecasting, and earned value principles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for conveying complex data insights.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and adept at managing multiple priorities in fast-paced project environments. [AM2]

Requirements

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in cost controls, cost analysis, or financial analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in power and utilities, construction, oil and gas, or renewable energy industries is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

Position Suitability

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Cost Analyst who will play a key role in effective cost management across a diverse project portfolio. If you are passionate about financial analysis, forecasting, and helping projects stay within budget, this role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our project success. Your expertise in cost modeling, earned value, data visualization, and communication will be instrumental in shaping project outcomes.

Work Hours:

This position will require you to be available during core business hours.

Work Location(s) & Travel Requirements:

Houston, TX is the preferred location. This position is Hybrid work model (work from home and in office) and may require travel to project sites.

*Compensation:

Motive Power offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and opportunities for professional development and advancement. We are an equal opportunity organization and do not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law. Compensation will be impacted by candidate’s specific expertise, years of experience, and location.

About Motive Power, Inc.

At Motive Power, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results in projects while prioritizing excellence and sustainability. Our team of experts thrives on complex challenges, consistently exceeding client expectations and making a positive impact on the world. We strive to transform the world into a more sustainable place through our projects.