Project Cost Analyst (Mid – Sr) – TRANSMISSION (Construction Accounting/Project Finance)

This role will be responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls for team activities supporting the Project Managers (PMs) or other staff. Duties include overseeing cost reporting for multiple projects, monitoring project budgets, and ensuring accurate depiction of project costs on intermediate projects under some supervision.

Responsibilities

• Input budgets within AEP corporate systems, provide ongoing forecast updates, and perform variance analysis at the program and project levels.
• Input and track key performance indicators, collaborating with project teams to implement project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop partnerships and communicate with internal and external customers.
• Conduct training, support continuous process improvement efforts, and develop tools and processes for the work group.
• Create work orders and coordinate with external contractors and vendors to integrate them into the overall project budget and schedule.
• Coordinate project meetings and work with project team members on project activities.
• Support the PM in preparing and updating project documentation and planning.
• Assist with preparing forecasts of project spending and cash flows, budget variance monitoring, and cost tracking/analysis.
• Provide analysis and verification for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) activities and assist with annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan, and improvement requisitions as needed.
• Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.
• Collaborate with Project Management (PM) and other stakeholders to perform variance reporting and establish original baseline budgets time-phased with system schedule dates.
• Create project breakdown structures.
• Perform departmental organizational functions such as tracking, analyzing, and verifying information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs), maintaining current and complete project system records, and coordinating the work order process.
• Assist in the contracting process, including bidding activities, cost analysis, and cost tracking, depending on the business unit.
• Communicate with project teams, resources, and other internal and external stakeholders on various budgetary items.
• Perform varied assignments demonstrating technical knowledge and analytical techniques to solve problems or conduct analysis.
• Apply problem-solving skills to resolve technical problems and initiate solution techniques.
• Develop and compile measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for scope, budgeting, schedule performance, cost performance, and forecasting.
• Provide strong teamwork with colleagues, vendors, and customers; respond to inquiries and resolve work order issues or implement action plans in a fast-paced, results-oriented team.
• Understand and manage projects according to AEP project/work management organizational standards.
• Adhere to guidance and standards from the AEP Project Management Governance Committee.
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level employees as appropriate.
• Recommend improvements to enhance role, project performance, and AEP’s service, product delivery, environmental, and community stewardship.
• Coordinate work activities within the work group, team, or external parties (contractors, vendors) to resolve routine technical tasks and field work activities.
• Contribute to team decision-making and consensus building.

Requirements

Based on education, experience, and interview, this opportunity may be filled at either of the following levels:

Project Cost Analyst (grade 6)

• Education: Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college, including Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
  • With a High School Diploma or GED: 4 years' experience as an AEP Project Cost Analyst Associate (grade 005) or 6 years of total qualified experience.
  • With a qualified Associate’s degree: 3 years of qualified experience.
  • With a qualified Bachelor’s degree: 1 year of qualified experience.
• Experience: Utility-specific operations knowledge with a good working understanding of work processes and procedures. Experience in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems/equipment.

Project Cost Analyst S (grade 7)

• Education: Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college, including Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
  • With a High School Diploma or GED: 4 years' experience as a Project Cost Analyst (grade 006).
  • With a qualified Associate’s degree: 6 years of qualified experience.
  • With a qualified Bachelor’s degree: 4 years of qualified experience.
• Experience: Utility-specific operations knowledge with a good working understanding of work processes and procedures. Experience in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems/equipment.

Skills

• Ability to manage time effectively and efficiently, demonstrating organizational and planning skills.
• Aptitude for accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to achieve goals.
• Basic technical knowledge related to writing and verbal communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Team player with ability to collaborate well with others.
• Some travel, including overnight, may be required.
• Ability to safely and effectively perform light physical duties at various work sites, including home and AEP locations, in varying conditions.
• Understanding and support of AEP policies, values, principles, structure, and behavior.
• Exposure to corporate accounting, project cost management systems, construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems is preferred.
• Availability to work overtime, call-out overtime, and shift work as required by the business unit.
• Attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy both internal and external customers.
• For nuclear positions: work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC-prescribed limits.

License/Certifications

• A professional or trade certification (e.g., CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP) is not required at this level.
• A certification is required to progress to the Principal (grade 008) level if you have a high school diploma/GED or a non-qualified higher education degree. Otherwise, a certification is preferred at the Principal level.

Pay

• Project Cost Analyst (grade 6): $74,551 - $93,188
• Project Cost Analyst S (grade 7): $87,633 - $109,544

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $73,000 - $109,000
• Discretionary annual incentive
• 401(k) and pension plans
• Health insurance
• Vacation
• Educational assistance

Physical Demand Level: Sedentary work involving exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may include walking or standing for brief periods.