Project Cost Controller

LHH; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH Recruitment Solutions is seeking an experienced Project/Cost Controller in Houston to manage project accounting and cost control across a portfolio of complex projects. You will work closely with project managers, operations, procurement, and accounting leadership to maintain accurate financials, monitor budgets, and identify risks.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in project or cost accounting, strong Excel skills, and proven ability to forecast, analyze variances, and support billing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 5+ years in project accounting / cost accounting roles preferred.
• Excellent Excel and Office proficiency; strong analytical and numerical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage project accounting and cost control across multiple active projects.
• Track budgets, actual costs, commitments, POs, and subcontractor expenses.
• Reconcile accounting records with forecasts and supporting documentation.
• Review vendor/subcontractor invoices for accuracy and proper project coding.
• Prepare and maintain project forecasts, cash flow projections, and Estimate at Completion reporting.
• Perform budget-to-actual and forecast-to-actual variance analysis.
• Monitor project profitability, cost trends, financial risks, and opportunities.
• Track change orders, claims, scope adjustments, and commitments through final approval.
• Maintain commitment schedules for POs and subcontracts.
• Support customer billing, revenue recognition, collections, and project cash flow activities.
• Prepare monthly project cost reports and communicate findings to PMs and leadership.
• Coordinate cost and schedule information, including productivity and earned value metrics where applicable.
• Track equipment, materials, and inventory, including stored items.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, contract requirements, and reporting standards.
• Assist month-end close, reconciliations, accruals, and related project accounting tasks.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve project controls and financial processes.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Independent work

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

LHH Recruitment Solutions is partnering with a growing organization to identify an experienced Project/Cost Controller. This position combines hands‑on project accounting with cost control, forecasting, and financial analysis responsibilities across a portfolio of complex projects.

The Project/Cost Controller will work closely with project managers, operations, procurement, and accounting leadership to maintain accurate project financials, monitor budget performance, manage commitments, and identify potential risks throughout the project lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys working cross‑functionally and providing financial insight that directly supports project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project accounting and cost control activities across multiple active projects
• Track project budgets, actual costs, commitments, purchase orders, and subcontractor expenses
• Reconcile project accounting records with operational forecasts and supporting documentation
• Review vendor and subcontractor invoices for accuracy, contractual compliance, and proper project coding
• Prepare and maintain project forecasts, cash flow projections, and Estimate at Completion reporting
• Perform budget-to-actual and forecast-to-actual variance analysis
• Monitor project profitability, cost trends, financial risks, and potential opportunities
• Track change orders, claims, scope adjustments, and pending commitments through final approval
• Maintain accurate commitment schedules for executed and outstanding purchase orders and subcontracts
• Support customer billing, revenue recognition, collections, and project cash flow activities
• Prepare monthly project cost reports and communicate key findings to project managers and leadership
• Coordinate cost and schedule information, including productivity and earned value metrics when applicable
• Track project-related equipment, materials, and inventory, including items held in storage
• Ensure project transactions comply with internal controls, contract requirements, and customer reporting standards
• Assist with month‑end close activities, account reconciliations, accruals, and other project accounting functions
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to improve project controls, reporting accuracy, and financial processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
• 5 or more years of experience in project accounting, cost accounting, cost control, or a related financial role
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, commitments, change orders, and variance reporting
• Strong understanding of job‑cost accounting and project financial reporting
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Ability to organize and analyze financial information across multiple concurrent projects
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with accounting and operational teams
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and comfortable working independently in a deadline‑driven environment
• Experience supporting projects across multiple regions or international operations is preferred