USA - Senior Project Cost Analyst

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Cost Analyst to support complex financial planning and cost oversight activities for capital and operational initiatives. This Long-term Contract position is well suited for a detail-oriented individual who can combine strong analytical judgment with effective cross-functional partnership. The role will focus on cost forecasting, budget performance, reporting accuracy, and collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders to help guide informed business decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead project cost tracking activities by monitoring budgets, commitments, actual spending, and forecast changes across multiple initiatives.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models, reporting tools, and standardized templates to improve visibility into project and capital expenditures.
• Partner with project managers, engineering teams, manufacturing leaders, and supply chain contacts to evaluate financial performance and identify cost risks early.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc analyses that explain budget variances, spending trends, and projected outcomes for leadership review.
• Support capital expenditure planning by aligning project forecasts with cost center expectations, funding assumptions, and business priorities.
• Review vendor proposals, pricing inputs, and request-for-proposal related cost details to strengthen financial decision-making.
• Contribute to process discipline during onboarding and team coordination activities, including periodic travel for in-person collaboration when needed.
• Help maintain data quality and reporting consistency across project controls by validating inputs and improving documentation practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Significant experience in project cost control, financial analysis, or capital project accounting at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of budget management, forecasting, variance analysis, and CapEx reporting practices.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and global supply chain environments.
• Advanced proficiency with financial reporting tools, spreadsheets, and data analysis methods.
• Comfortable operating in a hybrid environment with approximately three onsite days per week in Bannockburn, Illinois, or working remotely with availability for initial onboarding and monthly travel.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present clear financial insights to project and business stakeholders.