Project Cost Analyst (Mid – Sr) – TELECOM (Construction Accounting/Project Finance)

AEP Service Corporation; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP Service Corporation in Tulsa, Oklahoma seeks a Project Cost Analyst to coordinate cost analysis and controls across multiple projects. You will input budgets, monitor spending, forecast updates, and perform variance analysis under supervision.

Responsibilities include developing KPIs, coordinating with project teams and external vendors, and supporting training and process improvements. Strong communication and proficiency with corporate budgeting systems are essential.

Qualifications

• Related degree with 4+ years' project cost experience.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
• Knowledge of SOX controls and budgeting/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project meetings and work with project team members.
• Prepare and update project documentation and planning.
• Forecast project spending and cash flows; monitor budget variances.
• Perform estimate vs. actual analysis.
• Develop KPIs and variance reporting.
• Coordinate with contractors/vendors on budgets and schedules.
• Provide training and process-improvement support.

Skills

Project cost analysis

Cost tracking

Forecasting

Variance reporting

SOX analysis

Education

Accounting

Business

Construction Management

Engineering

Technology

Project Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Budgeting software

Job description

Job Summary

This role will be responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls for team activities supporting the Project Managers (PMs), or other staff, including overseeing the cost reporting for multiple projects and monitoring project budgets to assure accurate depiction of project cost on intermediate projects under some supervision.

Responsibilities include input of budgets within the AEP corporate systems, providing ongoing forecast updates and variance analysis at the program and project levels, input and tracking of key performance indicators, and working collaboratively with project teams to implement project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle. Provides communication and develops partnerships with internal and/or external customers. As an experienced member of the team, expectations include conducting training, supporting continuous process improvement efforts and developing tools and processes utilized within the work group. Responsible for the creation of work orders and having direct interface in coordinating with external contractors and vendors to integrate these parties into the overall project budget and schedule.

Job Description

• Coordinate project meetings and work with project team members on project activities.
• Support the PM in the preparation and updating of project documentation and planning.
• Assist with preparing forecasts of project spending and cash flows, budget variance monitoring, cost tracking/analysis.
• Depending on business unit needs, provide analysis and verification for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) activities and assist with providing input to annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan and improvement requisitions.
• Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.
• Collaborate with Project Management (PM) and other vested parties to perform variance reporting and/or establish original baseline budgets that are time‑phased with dates from the system schedule.
• Create project breakdown structures.
• Perform some departmental organizational functions when necessary and as assigned to ensure the smooth operation of project functions. This might include tracking, analyzing, and verifying information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs), keeping project system records current and complete, and coordinating the work order process related to a project from creation of the work order through in‑servicing and closing.
• Depending on the business unit assigned, assist in the contracting process. This might include bidding activities, analysis of cost, cost tracking, etc.
• Communicate with project team, resources, and other internal and external stakeholders on various budgetary items.
• Work with others in both supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.
• Perform varied assignments demonstrating technical knowledge and analytical techniques to solution of problems or analysis.
• Apply problem solving skills to resolve technical problems and initiate solution techniques.
• Develop and compile Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are measurable outcomes (scope, budgeting, schedule performance, cost performance, forecasting, etc.)
• Providing strong teamwork with colleagues, vendors and/or customers and responding to customer/vendor inquiries, resolving work order issues and/or implementing action plans in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented team.
• Understand the AEP project/work management organizational standards and assist in the management of projects to those standards.
• Adhere to the guidance and standards put forth by the AEP Project Management Governance Committee.
• Provide training and guidance to lower level employees as appropriate.
• Recommend improvements that enhance the role, project performance, and AEP's performance in regard to service and product delivery as well as environmental and community stewardship.
• Depending on the assigned business unit, coordinate work activities of others within work group, team or those external to the company including contractors, vendors as required to resolve routine technical tasks and field work activities.
• Make decisions and contribute to team decision making and consensus building.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below: Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management. With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as (an AEP) Project Cost Analyst Associate (grade 005) or six (6) years of total experience With a qualified Associate's degree, three (3) years' qualified experience With a qualified Bachelor's degree, one (1) year of qualified experience.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures. Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.

License/Certifications:

A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is not required at this level. A certification is required to progress to the Principal level of this job family, if you have a high school diploma/GED or non-qualified higher education degree. Otherwise, a certification is preferred at the Principal-level.

Other:

Demonstrate ability to manage time effectively and efficiently and demonstrate organizational and planning skills, as well an aptitude for accuracy, attention to detail and ability to achieve goals. Demonstrates a basic level of technical knowledge related to writing and verbal communication. Proficient in use of computer and Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Team player with ability to work and collaborate well with others. Some travel, including overnight, may be required. Safely and effectively perform light physical duties at various work sites including home and AEP locations in varying conditions. Understand and support the policies, values, principles, structure and behavior of AEP. Exposure to corporate accounting and project cost management systems, construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems is preferred but not required. Availability to work overtime, call‑out overtime and shift work may be required depending on business unit. Demonstrate an attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers who use and depend upon our work. For nuclear positions, work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within the limits prescribed by the NRC.

What You’ll Get:

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well‑being of our employees. Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do! At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward‑thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

• Compensation Grade: SP20-006
• Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $109,543.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is:

S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

Company Culture

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers – we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.