Project Cost Controller

EMC Renewables; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

EMC Renewables is seeking a Project Cost Controller to establish, monitor, and report project costs for utility-scale solar and BESS construction in the United States.

You will partner with Project Managers, Construction, Procurement and Finance to ensure budgets, forecasts, and contract commitments are met, while delivering actionable cost insights, risk assessments, and cash flow forecasts to protect profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, project accounting, construction finance, or cost control.
• Experience with EPC, construction, energy, infrastructure, or renewable energy projects is preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• Experience with ERP, project controls, or construction management software.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and accrual accounting.

Responsibilities

• Establish baseline budgets and maintain cost tracking throughout execution.
• Monitor project expenditures, commitments, and forecasted costs.
• Analyze actual costs against budgets and identify variances and trends.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to implement corrective actions for budget deviations.
• Maintain cost reports, forecasting tools, and project financial dashboards.
• Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Support reviews with cost performance metrics and FAC projections.
• Assist in evaluating cost impacts of scope changes and change orders.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Data interpretation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel (Advanced)

ERP software

Project controls software

Job description

The Project Cost Controller is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and reporting project costs throughout the lifecycle of utility-scale solar and BESS construction projects. This role serves as a key business partner to Project Managers, Construction Managers, Procurement, and Finance teams, ensuring project financial performance aligns with approved budgets, forecasts, and contractual commitments.

The successful candidate will provide ongoing cost visibility, identify variances and risks, support change management processes, forecast cash flow, and develop actionable insights that help project teams maintain profitability and financial control.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Cost Management & Budget Control

• Develop and implement project cost structures and cost coding based on awarded project budgets.
• Establish baseline budgets and maintain accurate cost tracking throughout execution.
• Continuously monitor project expenditures, commitments, and forecasted costs.
• Analyze actual costs against budgets and identify cost variances, trends, and potential overruns.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to develop and implement corrective actions when budget deviations occur.
• Maintain cost reports, forecasting tools, and project financial dashboards.

Project Forecasting & Reporting

• Prepare monthly project cost reports, financial forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Generate project financial progress reports for leadership and project stakeholders.
• Support monthly and quarterly project reviews with detailed cost performance metrics.
• Monitor earned value, productivity trends, and forecast-at-completion (FAC) projections.
• Calculate and prepare monthly project accruals and financial adjustments as required.

Change Management & Commercial Support

• Assist project teams in evaluating the cost impact of scope changes, claims, and change orders.
• Support the preparation and financial analysis of customer change orders and contract modifications.
• Track approved and pending changes to ensure accurate budget and forecast updates.
• Monitor opportunities for cost recovery and margin improvement.

Risk & Opportunity Management

• Identify project financial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support risk mitigation planning and track the financial impact of identified risks.
• Provide recommendations to improve cost control processes and project profitability.
• Participate in project review meetings and strategic forecasting discussions.

Cash Flow Management

• Develop and maintain project cash flow forecasts.
• Monitor actual cash flow performance against projections.
• Coordinate with Finance and Project Management to optimize project cash flow and working capital requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in project controls, cost engineering, project accounting, construction finance, or cost control.
• EPC, construction, energy, infrastructure, or renewable energy industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting utility-scale solar, BESS, transmission, or large industrial construction projects is highly desirable.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and financial analysis.
• Experience with ERP, project controls, or construction management software.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and accrual accounting.
• Knowledge of EPC project delivery and construction cost structures.
• Ability to analyze large data sets and communicate financial information clearly to operational teams.

Preferred

What Sets You Apart

• You prioritize safe and compliant business practices.
• You bring passion for renewable energy and demonstrates commitment to excellence.
• You operate with integrity, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
• You build relationships grounded in respect, both internally and externally.
• You look for smarter, more efficient ways to approach challenges and continuously improve processes and seeks operational efficiencies (innovation).
• You thrive in a collaborative environment and value shared success (teamwork).

Why Join EMC Renewables

• Be part of a growing team shaping the future of renewable energy in the U.S.
• Work in an environment where SPIRIT values are not just words, they guide how we work every day.
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on project success and company growth.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Join a mission-driven organization committed to building a more sustainable future.

EMC Renewables is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Notice to External Search Firms

EMC Renewables, LLC does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. EMC Renewables, LLC Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.