Cost Analyst I or II

About the role

Dairyland is an organization focused on People First, where we celebrate wins, collaborate, and make a difference. Our People First culture is aligned with our processes and systems, and we invest in learning and development to support our employees' growth and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Supports the collection, organization, and basic analysis of project-related financial data to develop performance and status reports for project management.
• Aids in preparing routine project performance, budget, and status reports using established tools and templates.
• Assists with reviewing report data, identifying variances, and escalating questions or issues to senior team members.
• Maintains project controls information, monitors contract, procurement, and project documentation, and tracks obligations, deliverables, and compliance touchpoints for contracted service providers.
• Works collaboratively with project management team members to analyze reports and provide recommendations to address gaps identified.
• Develops working knowledge of technology and software platforms used for project financial transactions, scheduling, resource planning, risk assessment, and project performance analysis.
• Supports project teams with maintaining budget information, forecasts, and in-service milestone tracking through project completion.
• Participates in training and professional development to build project controls, reporting, and utility project knowledge.
• Follows governance, process descriptions, guidelines, and procedures and shares improvement suggestions with leadership.

Qualifications

• Cost Analyst I: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Project Management, or a related field required. Experience in project controls, finance, accounting, project management support, or utility/industrial construction support preferred.
• Cost Analyst II: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Management, Accounting, Project Management, or a related field, plus five (5) or more years of experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills

• Basic understanding of cost tracking, budgeting, and reporting principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, and review data accurately.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with project teams, finance, and support departments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to learn project controls processes, reporting methods, and utility construction workflows.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ability to learn how to work in a D365 environment, Power BI, and related software systems.
• Basic problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently on routine assignments while seeking guidance on more complex issues.
• General understanding of accounting principles.
• Exposure to project management, construction, or utility operations concepts preferred.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and development.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health & disability benefits, life insurance, generous 401(k) and pension plans, paid time off, robust wellness program, new flexible work program, tuition reimbursement, and more. Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace.