Analyst - Cost

Cost Analyst

Position Summary

The Cost Analyst is responsible for financial planning, forecasting, cost analysis, and performance reporting for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) expenses and capital projects. The role also supports headcount and workforce cost analysis and provides financial insight into Division, Area, and Measurement leadership.

The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across multiple departments and organizational levels. The position requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly communicate financial results, risks, trends, and recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support Divisions and Departments in developing annual O&M work plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Analyze historical and current financial data to support assumptions for workforce, materials, supplies, equipment, services, and other operating costs.
• Consolidate, review, and report Division and Department O&M and capital budget information to Area and Measurement leadership.
• Support Division Management in developing and maintaining budget guidelines, assumptions, and processes.
• Evaluate available resources, planned work, and financial constraints to support prioritization and budget planning.
• Prepare financial analyses and supporting documentation for management review and approval.

Financial Analysis and Reporting

• Review, monitor, and analyze actual financial results against O&M budgets, capital budgets, and forecasts.
• Identify and explain material cost variances, trends, risks, and emerging financial issues.
• Analyze financial and operational data to determine the drivers behind budget and forecast variances.
• Develop clear reporting and recommendations that help management understand performance and make informed business decisions.
• Monitor spending patterns and resource utilization and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Identify significant deviations from established financial or administrative practices and communicate concerns to management.

Cost Control and Financial Operations

• Create and maintain purchase orders for materials and services in SAP.
• Work with vendors and internal stakeholders to maintain accurate account, pricing, and rate information.
• Review invoices for accuracy, contractual compliance, purchase order alignment, and appropriate financial coding.
• Provide appropriate invoice coding and route transactions for approval in SAP.
• Investigate and resolve financial discrepancies in coordination with vendors, managers, and other internal departments.
• Maintain accurate, timely financial records and supporting documentation.
• Work with Project Managers throughout the project life cycle

Business Partnership

• Partner with Division and Area management to provide financial insight and support operational planning.
• Communicate financial results and recommendations clearly to both financial and operational audiences.
• Participate in financial reviews, budget discussions, forecasting activities, and management presentations.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and appropriate follow-through.