Project Cost Controller

W3Global; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global is seeking a Senior Cost Controller to manage and oversee project budgets, forecasts, and cost reporting from Baltimore field locations. The role involves close collaboration with project management to ensure financial plans are met and to drive cost efficiencies.

The ideal candidate brings 15+ years of experience in project controls, strong Excel and ERP/PMIS proficiency, and a proven ability to deliver accurate variance analyses and timely financial presentations for leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field; equivalent combination acceptable.
• 15+ years of experience in project controls, cost management or related disciplines.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with financial analysis in complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgets, costs, commitments, accruals, forecasts, and contingency funds.
• Collect and report cost data including performance, incurred costs, forecasts, and variances.
• Monitor project performance to ensure alignment with approved financial plans.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and financial risks; recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain cost control systems, processes, and reporting templates.

Skills

Excel

PMIS/ERP systems

Data analysis

Cost forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PMIS platforms

ERP systems

PM software

Job description

• Manage and oversee project and program budgets, actual costs, commitments, accruals, forecasts, and contingency funds.
• Collect, analyze, and report financial and cost data, including budget performance, incurred costs, commitments, forecasts, and variances.
• Partner with project management teams to monitor project performance and ensure projects are completed within approved financial plans.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, financial risks, trends, and discrepancies, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve cost control systems, processes, procedures, guidelines, and reporting templates.
• Review contractor invoices and validate compliance with contractual and financial requirements.
• Collect and evaluate cost impacts associated with potential project changes and support implementation following approval.
• Support the change management process by coordinating with estimating and project teams to ensure all financial impacts are accurately captured.
• Lead monthly cost reporting and develop variance analyses, forecasts, and financial presentations for program leadership.
• Maintain and manage the cost control components within the Project Management Information System (PMIS).
• Coordinate with commercial and contracts teams to ensure alignment between cost control, contract, and financial management systems.
• Work closely with scheduling teams to develop and maintain time-phased cost forecasts aligned with the master program schedule and contractor cost-loaded schedules.
• Provide leadership and oversight to cost management personnel, ensuring consistent support and alignment across the overall program.
• Collaborate closely with finance and other key stakeholders to support accurate financial reporting and project decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee project and program budgets, actual costs, commitments, accruals, forecasts, and contingency funds.
• Collect, analyze, and report financial and cost data, including budget performance, incurred costs, commitments, forecasts, and variances.
• Partner with project management teams to monitor project performance and ensure projects are completed within approved financial plans.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, financial risks, trends, and discrepancies, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve cost control systems, processes, procedures, guidelines, and reporting templates.
• Review contractor invoices and validate compliance with contractual and financial requirements.
• Collect and evaluate cost impacts associated with potential project changes and support implementation following approval.
• Support the change management process by coordinating with estimating and project teams to ensure all financial impacts are accurately captured.
• Lead monthly cost reporting and develop variance analyses, forecasts, and financial presentations for program leadership.
• Maintain and manage the cost control components within the Project Management Information System (PMIS).
• Coordinate with commercial and contracts teams to ensure alignment between cost control, contract, and financial management systems.
• Work closely with scheduling teams to develop and maintain time-phased cost forecasts aligned with the master program schedule and contractor cost-loaded schedules.
• Provide leadership and oversight to cost management personnel, ensuring consistent support and alignment across the overall program.
• Collaborate closely with finance and other key stakeholders to support accurate financial reporting and project decision-making.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional training.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in project controls, project cost management, cost engineering, financial management, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience managing budgets, forecasts, actual costs, accruals, commitments, contingencies, and cost reporting for large and complex projects or programs.
• Strong financial acumen and expertise in project cost control and financial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience using project management software, PMIS platforms, ERP systems, or other cost control systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Experience with change management, variance analysis, contractor invoice review, and cost forecasting.

Work Location

This is a field-based position requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite in Baltimore, Maryland.

Employment Details

• Level: Senior
• Experience Required: 15+ years
• Schedule: Full-time
• Assignment: One full-time professional
• Expected Start Date: October 5, 2026