Cost Representative

Zachry Group; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachry Group in Corpus Christi, Texas, is seeking a Cost Representative for their Project Cost department. The role includes maintaining cost data integrity, assisting in earned value tracking, and generating analytical reports. We seek candidates with a high school diploma or GED, preferably with an associate's or bachelor's degree in relevant fields.

The ideal candidate will have strong Microsoft Office proficiency, communication skills, and a willingness to lead and mentor junior staff. The work environment is generally office-based, with some exposure to construction conditions.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience between 0 to 3 years required.
• Preferred experience: Over 3 years in project cost management or financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cost system data integrity and accuracy.
• Assist with earned value tracking and forecasting.
• Generate standard reports and support contract analysis.
• Lead system maintenance and coordinate across departments.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Familiarity with cost systems and reporting tools

Strong written and verbal communication

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Organizational and time-management abilities

Leadership and mentoring capabilities

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in Technical or Financial Business disciplines

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Primavera P6

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview

The Cost Representative series (I, II, III) represents a progressive career path within the Project Cost department. These roles are responsible for maintaining accurate earned value progress and actual cost data through company systems, supporting project controls, and contributing to financial decision‑making. Each level builds upon the previous in terms of technical proficiency, analytical capability, and leadership responsibility.

Career Levels

• Cost Representative I is an entry‑level role focused on learning cost processes and maintaining data integrity.
• Cost Representative II demonstrates intermediate proficiency in cost systems and reporting, with increased responsibility in analytics and collaboration.
• Cost Representative III is a senior‑level role with leadership potential, responsible for advanced analytics, team coordination, and ensuring procedural compliance.

Primary Position Objective

To support project cost control functions by maintaining system accuracy, performing analytics, and producing reports that reflect earned value and actual costs. As employees progress through the Cost Representative levels, they take on more complex tasks, contribute to strategic decision‑making, and may lead or mentor others.

Responsibilities

Cost Representative I

• Maintain cost system data integrity and accuracy.
• Assist with earned value tracking and basic forecasting.
• Generate standard reports for project teams.
• Support contract/commercial analysis.
• Learn and adhere to defined procedures and deadlines.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate effectively.

Cost Representative II

• Maintain and validate cost system data.
• Perform intermediate analytics (BOQ, earned value, forecasting).
• Produce standard and ad‑hoc reports.
• Conduct contract/commercial analysis.
• Participate in meetings and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ensure adherence to procedures and support team deadlines.

Cost Representative III

• Lead system maintenance and ensure data integrity.
• Perform advanced analytics and scenario evaluations.
• Generate and distribute standard and custom reports.
• Conduct contract/commercial analysis and support strategic decisions.
• Lead meetings and coordinate across departments.
• Mentor junior cost representatives and verify procedural compliance.
• Ensure team meets deadlines and maintains high‑quality output.

Requirements

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two‑year college or technical school, or bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from a four‑year college or university. Preferred majors: Technical or Financial Business disciplines.

Experience

• Required: Over 0 to 3 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred: Over 3 years of experience in project cost management or financial analysis.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Familiarity with cost systems, earned value systems, and reporting tools (Power BI, P6).
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• General office environment with occasional exposure to construction site conditions.
• Frequent use of computers, calculators, printers, and other office equipment.
• Requires close vision, color perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Fast‑paced and variable work environment.

Relocation Requirement

Must be willing and able to relocate to a project location anywhere within the United States.

ZACHRY is dedicated to providing a Safe and Drug‑Free work environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.