Cost Manager

Halmar International; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in California is seeking a Cost Manager to oversee project cost control, forecasting, and budgeting in heavy civil construction. This role involves collaborating with project managers and accounting to ensure profitability and financial transparency. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years of experience in cost control, and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with job cost accounting systems and advanced Excel is required. The company offers a dynamic work environment and is committed to equal opportunity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cost control or project controls experience in heavy civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure projects (earthwork, utilities, concrete, bridges, roadways).
• Experience with job cost accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed project budgets aligned with contract values.
• Monitor actual costs vs. budget and forecast final project costs.
• Track change orders, claims, and contract modifications.

Skills

Cost control expertise

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field

Tools

Job cost accounting systems

Job description

The Cost Manager is responsible for overseeing project cost control, forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance across heavy civil construction projects. This role ensures accurate cost tracking, risk management, and financial reporting from preconstruction through project closeout. The Cost Manager works closely with project managers, estimators, superintendents, accounting, and executive leadership to maintain profitability and financial transparency.

Project Cost Control

• Develop and maintain detailed project budgets aligned with contract values and estimates.
• Monitor actual costs vs. budget and forecast final project costs.
• Analyze cost variances and provide recommendations to mitigate overruns.
• Track committed costs, subcontractor payments, purchase orders, and change orders.
• Manage contingency tracking and cost exposure reporting.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and executive dashboards.
• Develop earned value reports and productivity analysis.
• Provide revenue projections and margin analysis.
• Support Work-in-Progress (WIP) reporting.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities early in the project lifecycle.
• Assist estimating team with cost validation and historical cost data analysis.
• Review bid estimates for accuracy and risk exposure.

Contract & Change Management

• Track and manage change orders, claims, and contract modifications.
• Evaluate cost impacts of scope changes.
• Assist in documentation for claims and dispute resolution.

Systems & Process Management

• Ensure job cost coding accuracy.
• Improve cost control processes and reporting standards.
• Implement best practices for heavy civil cost tracking.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of cost control or project controls experience in heavy civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure projects (earthwork, utilities, concrete, bridges, roadways).
• Experience with job cost accounting systems.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and financial reporting capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with projects over $10M in value.
• Knowledge of public works and DOT contracts.
• Familiarity with earned value management (EVM).
• CPA, CCM, or PMP certification (preferred but not required).

“Halmar International is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.”