Cost Controller, Project Controls

VoltaGrid; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

VoltaGrid in Houston seeks a Cost Controller to lead full lifecycle cost management for power infrastructure EPCC projects. You will develop budgets, track commitments and actuals, forecast costs, and deliver variance analysis for project leadership, Finance, and executives.

Requirements include a 5–10 year track record in cost control, a relevant degree, advanced Excel, ERP/NetSuite experience, and solid EV/change-control knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 5-10 years cost control or project controls experience.
• Minimum of 3 years experience supporting power, energy, utility, infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience on large capital projects; experience with projects exceeding $100 million preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with pivot tables and analytics; ERP or project management systems experience; NetSuite preferred.
• Working knowledge of earned value management, change control, forecasting, accruals, and integrated cost-schedule reporting.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain project cost baselines, budgets, and control estimates.
• Monitor commitments, actuals, and forecast-to-complete across EPCC.
• Maintain cost accounts aligned to WBS/CBS.
• Identify and report cost variances; track corrective actions.
• Review contractor progress claims, milestone payments, and change orders.
• Prepare cost reports, EAC/ETC forecasts, and EVM dashboards.
• Maintain Change Order Log; support RFIs, FCNs, and ECOs.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Variance analysis

Cost forecasting

Communication

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelors degree

Tools

ERP systems

NetSuite

Project management software

Job description

Position Title: COST CONTROLLER

Location: HOUSTON, TX

FLSA Class: EXEMPT

Responsible to: Senior Project Controls Manager

Position Summary

The Cost Controller is a key member of the Project Controls team responsible for full lifecycle project cost management across power infrastructure projects. This role supports budget development, commitment tracking, forecasting, variance analysis, change control, and project closeout while providing timely, accurate cost intelligence to project leadership, Finance, and executive stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the project cost baseline, budget breakdown, and control estimate
• Monitor committed costs, actual expenditure, and forecast-to-complete across all project phases: Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC)
• Maintain cost accounts aligned to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)
• Identify, investigate, and report cost variances; recommend and track corrective actions
• Review and validate contractor progress claims, milestone payment certificates, and change orders
• Support Requests for Information (RFIs), Field Change Notices (FCNs), and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for cost impact
• Prepare weekly and monthly Cost Reports including actuals, commitments, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Develop and maintain the Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) and Estimate-to-Complete (ETC) forecasts
• Produce Earned Value Management (EVM) reports
• Generate monthly cash flow forecasts and funding drawdown schedules for finance teams
• Present cost performance dashboards to the Projects Director and executive leadership
• Administer the project budget through formal change management procedures in compliance with governance frameworks
• Assess cost impact of scope changes, design modifications, and schedule delays — including delay damages and liquidated damages (LDs)
• Maintain the Change Order Log register
• Support the preparation of estimates and Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs)
• Review EPC, EPCM, and major equipment supply contracts for cost control obligations and reporting requirements
• Monitor purchase order commitments, goods receipts, and invoice processing in the procurement system
• Review and validate Vendor Invoices and rate schedules
• Coordinate with the Contracts team on back-charges, claims, and dispute resolution cost implications
• Interface with the Planning team to integrate cost and schedule data for integrated project reporting
• Perform Time Impact Analysis (TIA) and quantify schedule delay cost consequences
• Maintain cost curves aligned to the Project Master Schedule (PMS)
• Support critical path analysis with cost risk modeling and scenario planning
• Participate in Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA)
• Maintain and update the Project Risk Register for cost-related risks and opportunities
• Monitor contingency drawdown against risk events and update the risk-adjusted forecast
• Maintain project cost data in ERP and project management systems
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies, CAPEX authorization frameworks, and Project Controls Procedures
• Support internal audits, due diligence, and regulatory cost reviews with full documentation
• Maintain cost files, registers, and audit trails for project close-out and handover
• Liaise with the Finance team on accruals, CWIP (Capital Work in Progress), and asset capitalization

Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5-10 years of cost control, project controls, or capital cost management experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting power, energy, utility, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience on large capital projects; experience with projects exceeding $100 million preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, pivot tables, variance analysis, and dashboard development.
• Experience with ERP or project management systems; NetSuite experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of earned value management, change control, forecasting, accruals, and integrated cost-schedule reporting.
• Familiarity with power infrastructure scope elements, including civil/structural work, HV equipment, cabling, protection and controls, substations, generation, and commissioning.
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications / Core Competencies

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex cost data and convert it into practical business insight.
• Clear and confident communicator able to present cost performance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, documentation discipline, and accuracy under deadline pressure.
• Collaborative team player able to work across Project Controls, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Contracts, and Finance.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced project environment.
• Commitment to VoltaGrid values, safety expectations, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. VoltaGrid is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment #gc

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.