Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst)

Job Description Job Description Summary Our client is seeking an experienced Project Controls Specialist III (Cost Analyst) to support large-scale capital construction projects for the Los Angeles Community College District. This individual will play a critical role in project budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, financial reporting, and change management throughout the full project lifecycle. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in construction cost controls within large capital programs.

This person should be comfortable collaborating with project teams, leadership, and stakeholders while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong experience with budgeting systems, financial reporting, forecasting, and project controls software is required. Duties & Responsibilities Project Cost Controls & Financial Management Maintain and manage the accuracy and integrity of project budgets and financial forecasts Ensure compliance with established cost management procedures and policies Monitor budget performance throughout the project lifecycle Support overall project financial health and reporting accuracy Participate in monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC) reviews Collaborate with PMO teams on variance analysis Identify underlying causes of budget variances Recommend corrective actions and mitigation strategies Allocate and manage Estimates to Complete (ETCs) Support change order proposals, task order requests, PBAs, and vendor requests Ensure alignment with project financial objectives Maintain accurate cost coding and budget allocation Perform monthly reconciliation of budgets and project costs Ensure month-end reporting accuracy Validate cost tracking data and financial records Monitor cost overruns and underruns Review and analyze project budgets across multiple funding sources Ensure alignment with overall financial goals Track and forecast project expenditures Identify financial risks and exposures Forecasting, Reporting & Analysis Conduct detailed analysis of: Cost variances Performance data Forecasting trends Schedule and cash flow impacts Generate detailed financial and budget reports using: Proliance Deltek Costpoint Excel Other project controls systems Create customized reports for: College Project Directors PMO leadership Campus stakeholders Financial and auditing teams Assist with staffing analysis and resource forecasting Identify demand peaks Recommend cost-effective staffing strategies Support financial efficiency initiatives Change Management & Project Controls Participate in change management and risk assessment meetings Analyze cost-related trends and exposures Support proactive mitigation planning Monitor effectiveness of mitigation efforts Assist with preparation and validation of: Contract amendments Purchase requisitions Task order requests Change orders PBAs Financial closeouts Administer project control documentation within cost management systems Ensure financial accuracy and compliance Maintain reporting standards and procedures Support dashboard and reporting development Manage and reconcile project controls data Validate project budget information Maintain database accuracy Ensure alignment between financial systems and project reporting Collaboration & Stakeholder Support Serve as a primary point of contact for project financial information requests Provide timely and accurate reporting Support PMO and stakeholder communication Collaborate closely with project teams and leadership Work with scheduling teams to: Evaluate cash flow impacts Assess schedule performance impacts on costs Identify forecasting concerns and financial risks Support contractor and consultant payment application reviews Ensure compliance and financial accuracy Validate supporting documentation Assist with approvals and reconciliation Qualifications & Requirements Required Experience 5–10 years of professional experience in: Project controls Program controls Construction cost management Capital construction programs Experience supporting projects through the full project lifecycle Strong knowledge of: Cost management Schedule management Earned value management Forecasting Risk assessment Change management Experience presenting financial and cost data to leadership teams Strong communication and organizational skills Ability to work effectively in: Fast-paced environments Team-oriented settings Professional business environments Preferred Experience Experience with: Proliance Deltek Costpoint Data Warehouse systems Large capital construction programs Educational facility projects Advanced Microsoft Excel skills Education Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in: Engineering Construction Management Business Related field Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis