Cost Controller

Position Title: COST CONTROLLER

Location: HOUSTON, TX

FLSA Class: EXEMPT

Responsible to: Senior Project Controls Manager

 

Position Summary: The Cost Controller is a key member of the Project Controls team responsible for full lifecycle project cost management across power infrastructure projects. This role supports budget development, commitment tracking, forecasting, variance analysis, change control, and project closeout while providing timely, accurate cost intelligence to project leadership, Finance, and executive stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain the project cost baseline, budget breakdown, and control estimate
• Monitor committed costs, actual expenditure, and forecast-to-complete across all project phases: Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC)
• Maintain cost accounts aligned to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)
• Identify, investigate, and report cost variances; recommend and track corrective actions
• Review and validate contractor progress claims, milestone payment certificates, and change orders
• Support Requests for Information (RFIs), Field Change Notices (FCNs), and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for cost impact
• Prepare weekly and monthly Cost Reports including actuals, commitments, forecasts, and variance analysis
• Develop and maintain the Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) and Estimate-to-Complete (ETC) forecasts
• Produce Earned Value Management (EVM) reports
• Generate monthly cash flow forecasts and funding drawdown schedules for finance teams
• Present cost performance dashboards to the Projects Director and executive leadership
• Administer the project budget through formal change management procedures in compliance with governance frameworks
• Assess cost impact of scope changes, design modifications, and schedule delays — including delay damages and liquidated damages (LDs)
• Maintain the Change Order Log register
• Support the preparation of estimates and Independent Cost Reviews (ICRs)
• Review EPC, EPCM, and major equipment supply contracts for cost control obligations and reporting requirements
• Monitor purchase order commitments, goods receipts, and invoice processing in the procurement system
• Review and validate Vendor Invoices and rate schedules
• Coordinate with the Contracts team on back-charges, claims, and dispute resolution cost implications
• Interface with the Planning team to integrate cost and schedule data for integrated project reporting
• Perform Time Impact Analysis (TIA) and quantify schedule delay cost consequences
• Maintain cost curves aligned to the Project Master Schedule (PMS)
• Support critical path analysis with cost risk modeling and scenario planning
• Participate in Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA)
• Maintain and update the Project Risk Register for cost-related risks and opportunities
• Monitor contingency drawdown against risk events and update the risk-adjusted forecast
• Maintain project cost data in ERP and project management systems
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies, CAPEX authorization frameworks, and Project Controls Procedures
• Support internal audits, due diligence, and regulatory cost reviews with full documentation
• Maintain cost files, registers, and audit trails for project close-out and handover
• Liaise with the Finance team on accruals, CWIP (Capital Work in Progress), and asset capitalization

Other Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• 5-10 years of cost control, project controls, or capital cost management experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting power, energy, utility, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience on large capital projects; experience with projects exceeding $100 million preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, pivot tables, variance analysis, and dashboard development.
• Experience with ERP or project management systems; NetSuite experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of earned value management, change control, forecasting, accruals, and integrated cost-schedule reporting.
• Familiarity with power infrastructure scope elements, including civil/structural work, HV equipment, cabling, protection and controls, substations, generation, and commissioning.
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications / Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex cost data and convert it into practical business insight.
• Clear and confident communicator able to present cost performance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, documentation discipline, and accuracy under deadline pressure.
• Collaborative team player able to work across Project Controls, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Contracts, and Finance.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced project environment.
• Commitment to VoltaGrid values, safety expectations, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.