Senior Cost Analyst

About the role

The Senior Cost Analyst supports the administration and use of the cost management system within PMIS by performing data entry and system updates. They assist in mapping costs by project phase for specific funding sources, including grants, purchase orders, and purchase agreements. They develop and maintain project budget forecasts, cost estimates, cash flows, spend curves, funding requests, and expenditure tracking. They maintain financial models and tracking tools, including the master project package number (PPN) list, by requesting monthly updates from directors and ensuring accuracy. They monitor cost allocations across project elements throughout all phases of the project lifecycle. They coordinate and lead monthly cost meetings with internal Capital Delivery disciplines and the Grants Department.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration and use of the cost management system within PMIS by performing data entry and system updates.
• Aid in mapping costs by project phase for specific funding sources, including grants, purchase orders, and purchase agreements.
• Develop and maintain project budget forecasts, cost estimates, cash flows, spend curves, funding requests, and expenditure tracking.
• Maintain financial models and tracking tools, including the master project package number (PPN) list, by requesting monthly updates from directors and ensuring accuracy.
• Monitor cost allocations across project elements throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Cook up and lead monthly cost meetings with internal Capital Delivery disciplines and the Grants Department.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or a related field OR any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in Finance or accounting.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in Financial Controls, Finance, or Accounting.
• Considerable knowledge of cost management best practices and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of cost baseline development and management.
• Working knowledge in Project Management Information Systems (PMIS).
• Good knowledge of the Construction or Engineering industry.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint), and data management systems.
• Proficient in use of cost applications (InEight, eBuilder, PMWeb, Oracle, PRISM, COBRA) and earned value management system (EVMS).
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to interact with all levels of management, employees, external consultants, and organizations.
• Ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments and effectively manage deadlines.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to be proactive and confident self-starter and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to conduct clear, hands-on training sessions to help employees understand and use the systems effectively.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Certified in Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) or Certified Cost Technician (CCT).

Benefits

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Skills

• Knowledge of cost management best practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of cost baseline development and management.
• Proficiency in Project Management Information Systems (PMIS).
• Knowledge of the Construction or Engineering industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint).
• Proficiency in cost applications (InEight, eBuilder, PMWeb, Oracle, PRISM, COBRA).
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with all levels of management, employees, external consultants, and organizations.
• Initiative, ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments, and effective deadline management.
• Ability to conduct training sessions effectively.
• Flexibility to work flexible hours.

Pay

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Schedule

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Benefits

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.