Project Cost Analyst (Sr. - Staff) | NEW GENERATION

This role coordinates project cost analysis and controls for team activities supporting Project Managers (PMs) or other staff. Responsibilities include overseeing cost reporting for multiple projects, monitoring project budgets, and ensuring accurate depiction of project costs on large and complex projects with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Input budgets within AEP corporate systems and provide ongoing forecast updates and variance analysis at the program and project levels.
• Input and track key performance indicators, collaborating with project teams to implement project management best practices.
• Develop and maintain project documentation and planning, including forecasts of project spending, cash flows, budget variance monitoring, and cost tracking/analysis.
• Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis and collaborate with Project Management (PM) and other stakeholders to establish baseline budgets time-phased with system schedules.
• Create project breakdown structures and perform departmental organizational functions, such as tracking unvouchered liabilities (UVLs), maintaining project system records, and coordinating the work order process.
• Assist in the contracting process, including bidding activities, cost analysis, and cost tracking.
• Communicate with project teams, resources, and internal/external stakeholders on budgetary items.
• Resolve moderately complex problems independently, applying technical knowledge and analytical 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, resolving work order issues and implementing action plans.
• Lead the administration of AEP project/work management organizational standards and assist in managing projects to those standards.
• Adhere to guidance and standards from the AEP Project Management Governance Committee.
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level employees, mentoring and developing them as a subject matter expert.
• Recommend improvements to enhance project performance, service delivery, and environmental/community stewardship.
• Advise and counsel contractors, vendors, suppliers, and less experienced team members to integrate project performance data into total project analysis.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED, with four years of experience as a Project Cost Analyst; OR an Associate’s degree with six years of qualified experience; OR a Bachelor’s degree with four years of qualified experience. Qualified degrees must be in Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management from an accredited institution.
• Qualified experience includes utility-specific operations knowledge, work processes, and procedures in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking, forecasting, project budgets, accounting principles, or construction/maintenance of systems/equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with corporate accounting, project cost management systems, construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively, and enthusiasm for a diligent client focus.
• Ability to manage time effectively, demonstrate organizational and planning skills, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Advanced technical knowledge in writing and verbal communication.
• Some travel, including overnight, may be required.
• Availability to work overtime, call-out overtime, and shift work as needed.
• For nuclear positions, work may involve hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within NRC-prescribed limits.

Qualifications

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

Pay

• Project Cost Analyst Staff (grade 9): Base Salary = $117K - $151K
• Project Cost Analyst Principal (grade 8): Base Salary = $99K - $121K
• Project Cost Analyst Sr. (grade 7): Base Salary = $88K - $109K

Benefits

• Discretionary annual incentive
• 401(k) and pension plans
• Health insurance
• Vacation and educational assistance

Schedule

This role involves sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible force frequently. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may include walking or standing for brief periods.