Construction Cost Analyst

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Construction Cost Analyst to support the planning, execution, and financial performance of a growing portfolio of construction and development projects. This role is responsible for preparing project budgets, tracking and reconciling project costs, analyzing financial performance, and developing executive-level reporting that provides clear visibility into project metrics, risks, and opportunities.

The ideal candidate combines strong construction accounting and estimating knowledge with advanced analytical and reporting capabilities. This individual will work closely with project managers, accounting teams, development managers, and executive leadership to ensure accurate project cost forecasting and timely financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Development & Cost Planning

• Develop comprehensive project budgets for new construction, remodel, and capital improvement projects.
• Analyze specifications, scopes of work, and contractor proposals to establish accurate project cost projections.
• Assist with feasibility studies, capital planning, and project underwriting.
• Maintain budget templates and cost databases to improve estimating accuracy.

Cost Tracking & Reconciliation

• Monitor project expenditures against approved budgets and forecasts.
• Review contracts, purchase orders, change orders, invoices, and pay applications for accuracy and budget compliance.
• Identify budget variances and provide recommendations for corrective action.
• Coordinate with accounting teams to ensure accurate coding and allocation of project expenses.

Financial Analysis & Forecasting

• Prepare periodic project cost forecasts and estimate-at-completion analyses.
• Track contingency utilization and forecast potential cost overruns or savings.
• Analyze historical project performance to improve future budgeting accuracy.
• Support cash flow forecasting and capital expenditure planning.

Process Improvement

• Improve financial controls and reporting processes.
• Assist in implementing project management and cost management software solutions.
• Develop best practices for budget management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Create standardized reporting tools and KPI scorecards across multiple projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.
• 2 years of experience in construction cost management, project controls, estimating, construction accounting, or financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of construction budgets, contracts, change orders, and project accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, financial models, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience creating executive-level reports and dashboards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Construction Cost Analyst provides leadership with clear, accurate, and timely financial visibility into every project. Through disciplined budgeting, proactive cost monitoring, and insightful reporting, this role helps drive informed decision-making, improve project profitability, and ensure projects are delivered within approved financial targets.