Cost Controller

PTAG; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Advancement opportunities

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

PTAG in Houston, TX is seeking a Cost Controller (Level 2) to support project controls on major capital projects. You will manage change, forecast costs, and apply AI tools to improve accuracy in ETC/EAC and cash flow reporting.

Qualifications include a engineering/finance degree and 5–8 years cost control experience on large projects, with proficiency in Power BI, Excel, and ERP systems. AACE CCP/EVP or PMP is preferred, and a collaborative, independent work style is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 5–8 years of project cost control experience on large capital projects, ideally pipeline, midstream, or oil & gas.
• Hands‑on PCMOC experience assessing changes and trends, quantifying their impact, and reflecting them in ETC/EAC forecasts.
• Practical, advanced AI skills applied to project controls (for example Microsoft Copilot, Power BI/Power Query, Python, or LLM‑based tools), with specific examples you can describe.
• Strong working knowledge of commitments, accruals, invoice validation, and cost reconciliation.
• Working understanding of earned value (CPI/SPI) and contingency tracking.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel and Power BI; experience with EcoSys, SAP, and Primavera P6 is an asset.
• AACE CCP or EVP, or PMP, is preferred.
• Ability to challenge assumptions professionally and work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Support project controls management of change (PCMOC): log, assess, and track potential changes and trends through approval.
• Assess the cost and schedule impact of changes and trends, and reflect them in ETC/EAC forecasts.
• Apply AI and automation tools to controls work such as variance commentary, forecast and trend review, change‑impact assessment, and data validation; verify outputs against source data.
• Support monthly forecasting cycles, including contingency tracking, escalation, and productivity impacts; challenge unsupported forecasts.
• Maintain control budgets, cost coding, and control accounts aligned to the WBS/CBS.
• Track commitments, accruals, and actual costs; support cost reconciliation to source systems.
• Review and validate contractor and vendor invoices against contract terms, progress, and quantities.
• Prepare cost performance reports, variance analyses, and cash flow and commitment summaries; build and maintain Power BI and Excel dashboards.
• Support earned value reporting (PV/EV/AC, CPI/SPI) and coordinate with schedulers, risk, and project managers to keep cost, schedule, and change data aligned.
• Support gate reviews, audits, and executive reporting with traceable, evidence‑based cost information.

Job description

Cost Controller (Level 2) – Project Controls | Houston, TX | Full Time – ID# 7316

Are you ready to make an impact in the energy and infrastructure industry?

Join PTAG, a leading Project Management Advisory & Services firm recognized across North America for helping world‑class clients deliver major capital projects successfully.

We are seeking a Cost Controller (Level 2) to support our growing team in Houston, TX. In this role, you’ll play a key part in driving project excellence, collaborating with industry leaders, and ensuring high‑quality outcomes across complex initiatives.

About PTAG

At PTAG, we help our clients plan, manage, and execute their most challenging projects with innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

Our mission

is to help our clients achieve successful delivery and efficient operation of their capital projects.

Our vision

is to support global leaders in the selection, planning, and execution of their major initiatives.

Our Values Include

• Safety: The safety of our employees, suppliers, and clients is always the top priority.
• Collaboration: We build true partnerships with clients and service providers.
• Leadership: We elevate project performance through the application of best practices.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for every aspect of our engagements.
• Client Satisfaction: We strive for 100% satisfaction on every project.
• Integrity: We believe in open and transparent communication at all levels.

Role & Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Support project controls management of change (PCMOC): log, assess, and track potential changes and trends through approval.
• Assess the cost and schedule impact of changes and trends, and reflect them in ETC/EAC forecasts.
• Apply AI and automation tools to controls work such as variance commentary, forecast and trend review, change‑impact assessment, and data validation; verify outputs against source data.
• Support monthly forecasting cycles, including contingency tracking, escalation, and productivity impacts; challenge unsupported forecasts.
• Maintain control budgets, cost coding, and control accounts aligned to the WBS/CBS.
• Track commitments, accruals, and actual costs; support cost reconciliation to source systems.
• Review and validate contractor and vendor invoices against contract terms, progress, and quantities.
• Prepare cost performance reports, variance analyses, and cash flow and commitment summaries; build and maintain Power BI and Excel dashboards.
• Support earned value reporting (PV/EV/AC, CPI/SPI) and coordinate with schedulers, risk, and project managers to keep cost, schedule, and change data aligned.
• Support gate reviews, audits, and executive reporting with traceable, evidence‑based cost information.

Qualifications / Requirements

To Succeed In This Role, You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• 5–8 years of project cost control experience on large capital projects, ideally pipeline, midstream, or oil & gas.
• Hands‑on PCMOC experience assessing changes and trends, quantifying their impact, and reflecting them in ETC/EAC forecasts.
• Practical, advanced AI skills applied to project controls (for example Microsoft Copilot, Power BI/Power Query, Python, or LLM‑based tools), with specific examples you can describe.
• Strong working knowledge of commitments, accruals, invoice validation, and cost reconciliation.
• Working understanding of earned value (CPI/SPI) and contingency tracking.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel and Power BI; experience with EcoSys, SAP, and Primavera P6 is an asset.
• AACE CCP or EVP, or PMP, is preferred.
• Ability to challenge assumptions professionally and work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Salary Range for Role: $125,000 – $130,000 annually

Compensation at PTAG varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience.

Why Join PTAG?

At PTAG, you’ll be part of a dynamic, growing consulting firm that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation.

Opportunity to work on major infrastructure and capital projects.

• Exposure to industry‑leading clients and partners.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible work environment and opportunities for advancement.
• A culture that values safety, accountability, and excellence.

PTAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

PTAG uses AI-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including reviewing applications against job‑related criteria. These tools are used to assist our recruiters. All hiring decisions are made by PTAG recruiters and hiring managers.