Project Cost Controller

TPI Global Solutions; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

TPI Global Solutions is seeking a Project Cost Controller III to lead cost control for complex construction and engineering projects in the United States. The role demands organization, strong analytical ability, and Excel proficiency while collaborating with PMs, engineering, accounting, procurement, and senior management.

The ideal candidate will manage budgets, forecast costs, review invoices, monitor contractor costs, and administer change control while maintaining detailed financial records

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in project cost control and project controls.
• Strong understanding of actuals, commitments, forecasting, and cost variance analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Ability to interpret project schedules and their impact on costs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary cost controller for assigned projects.
• Track and monitor budgets, actual costs, commitments, accruals, forecasts, and expenditures.
• Review invoices against contracts, PO's, and budgets.
• Monitor contractor costs, commitments, payment status, and overall financial performance.
• Administer project change control documentation and cost impacts.
• Maintain accurate project cost databases and financial records.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts, variance reports, and management reports.
• Assist with EAC and cost forecasts.

Skills

Project cost control

Forecasting

Cost variance analysis

Change management

Contract management

Schedule interpretation

High attention to detail

Effective communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Project Cost Controller III is responsible for managing, monitoring, and controlling project costs across one or more large-scale construction or engineering projects. This position serves as a primary project controls resource, ensuring project expenditures, invoices, contractor costs, commitments, changes, and forecasts are accurately tracked and reported.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and proficient in Microsoft Excel, with practical knowledge of construction projects, contracts, accounting principles, and project controls methodologies. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with project managers, contractors, engineering teams, accounting, procurement, and senior management.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary cost controller for assigned projects.
• Track and monitor project budgets, actual costs, commitments, accruals, forecasts, and expenditures.
• Review, validate, and track contractor and vendor invoices against contracts, purchase orders, approved work, and project budgets.
• Monitor contractor costs, commitments, payment status, and overall financial performance.
• Administer project change control documentation, including change orders, scope changes, approvals, and cost impacts.
• Maintain accurate project cost databases and financial records.
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc cost reports, forecasts, variance reports, and management reports.
• Analyze actual versus budgeted/forecast costs and identify potential cost overruns or unfavorable trends.
• Support project teams in developing and maintaining accurate Estimate at Completion (EAC) and cost forecasts.
• Review engineering and construction contracts to understand commercial requirements, payment terms, scope, and cost obligations.
• Interpret project schedules and use schedule information to support cost forecasting and project financial analysis.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Project Controls, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Accounting, and contractors.
• Enter, maintain, and reconcile project financial data in applicable systems.
• Support monthly project closeout and reporting activities.
• Track miscellaneous project costs and ensure appropriate coding and allocation.
• Identify discrepancies, investigate cost variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure project cost information is accurate, timely, and properly documented.
• Assist with audits and provide supporting documentation when required.
• Perform other project controls and cost management activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Business, Accounting, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in project cost control, project controls, construction finance, cost analysis, or project financial management.
• Strong understanding of:
• Actuals and commitments
• Forecasting
• Cost variance analysis
• Change management
• Construction contracts
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required.
• Ability to interpret project schedules and understand how schedule progress impacts project costs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP or other ERP/project cost management systems.
• Experience supporting large-scale construction, engineering, EPC, energy, infrastructure, or industrial projects.
• Experience with project controls methodologies.
• Experience with earned value, cost forecasting, EAC, ETC, commitments, accruals, and variance analysis.
• Familiarity with engineering/construction contracts and change orders.
• Experience working directly with contractors and project management teams.
• PMI or AACE certification is highly desirable.