Project Controls Cost Analyst

Overview
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Project Implementation is seeking a Project Controls Cost Analyst (Fiscal Officer II) to play a crucial role in DPI’s project management processes. The position requires the ability to analyze and maintain cost control systems and processes to ensure department projects remain on budget. The Cost Analyst is responsible for identifying deviations from approved project budgets, notifying, and working with appropriate project managers and sponsors to develop and make budget corrections. The Project Controls Cost Analyst is responsible for identifying and resolving project cost control issues. Additionally, the Cost Analyst will develop and maintain the department’s portfolio of key performance indicators (KPIs).

What you Should Bring
The Project Controls Cost Analyst should bring enthusiasm, attention to detail, precision, and solid analytical and problem-solving skills to all project controls tasks. The position requires experience and general knowledge of cost management, including budgeting, change management, forecasting and reporting. Accuracy and attention to detail is important. The ability to elicit cooperation from multiple project stakeholders is a plus. The candidate should have excellent time management and organizational skills and the ability to deal effectively when faced with stressful situations. In addition, the candidate should understand how Work Breakdown Structures and Earned Value Management calculations contribute to effective project cost management. The candidate should have some experience providing cost in comprehensive excel sheets that rely on formulas, cell linking, and providing up to date accurate monthly data with Earned Value Management in mind; planned, budgeted and actual expenses.

The Opportunities and Key Responsibilities

• Communicate expenditures, budgets, commitments, estimate at completion, and forecasts with Project Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Project Controls Division Chief.
• Ensure cost reports are issued on time and with accurate current data and Purchase Order amounts are not exceeded.
• Work closely with Project Managers to review project financial status, identify deviations from planned budget, and explain variances. Advise on possible budget corrections. Assist with development of Work Breakdown Structures and complete calculations to determine Earned Value in comprehensive excel workbooks.
• Ensure cost controls and reporting processes are applied to track budgets, and allocations.
• Ensure accruals are reported and applied to monthly forecast projections.
• Run reports with all cost data coming from project management and financial systems and analyze reports to identify deviations. Work with proper stakeholder to correct identified deviations.
• Properly read project schedules and understand durations to incorporate into project forecasts.
• Ensure forecast is revised monthly, and is based on consideration of progress, pending change orders, expenditure rates, and earned value factors.
• Ensure current budget is updated according to the change management process with latest approved change orders.
• Schedule and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Contribute to KPI strategy. Help determine key department operational metrics, using leading and lagging indicators to track performance and inform timely mitigation measures.

About the Department
The Department of Project Implementation (DPI) is responsible for the implementation of capital infrastructure projects including intersection improvements, stormwater and water quality improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, flood mitigation and park improvements. DPI staff promote excellence in project management and sound stewardship of public trust. The Department is currently managing 54 active infrastructure projects with a total capital improvement program value of approximately $780 million. The Department coordinates and plans complex, multi-departmental projects such as the Waterfront Small Area Plan Implementation and the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. DPI is dedicated to continuous improvement and industry best practices and is committed to the continued professional development of staff members. Employees are encouraged to seek out training opportunities and certifications to support the mutual success of the employee and the department.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four Year College Degree; three years of experience in positions involving public administration, public financial planning, public budgeting, government accounting, electronic data processing, procurement contracting and personnel management; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Finance, Policy Development, Accounting, and/or related field; three years of experience as a fiscal analyst, project controls analyst, government budget analyst, policy analyst or related field; experience and knowledge of project cost management; advanced level of skill creating, editing, and maintaining spreadsheets; familiarity with basic cost analysis and forecasting as it relates to planning and scheduling; strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communications skills; ability to meet deadlines under pressure and manage priorities.

Notes

This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.