Digital Project Cost Analyst

If end date is listed, the posting will come down at 12:00 am on that date:

Thursday May 11, 2023

About The Position

The Digital Project Cost Analyst is responsible for the validation of initial estimated project costs and helping identify, understand, communicate, and perform cost reforecasting throughout the project lifecycle. The position will support various additional activities to ensure projects' financials can be tracked, recorded, and explained accurately.

Key responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Digital leadership, Financial Services, Plant Accounting, Digital PMO and Digital Capital Planning.
• Initial Estimate / Project Development
  • Perform project work order process by assisting the Senior/Lead Digital Project Cost Analyst in ensuring business cases are thorough and accurate and include appropriate application of capital versus operating & maintenance (O&M) accounting guidelines, business segments are aligned to cost allocation, and preparing documentation for Work Order approvals.
  • Support scoping meetings to define initial project scope with all stakeholders. Develop and utilize execution readiness tools - e.g., detailed resource plans, variance reports, etc.
  • For investments that qualify for additional oversight, work closely with project schedulers to align costs with project plan.
• Monthly Reforecasting
  • On monthly basis, perform prior month spend analysis to reforecast future spend; under the guidance of the Senior/Lead Digital Project Cost Analyst, work with Financial Services/Project Team to make correcting entries as needed.
  • Handle key sub-processes with project team to enhance the accuracy of forecasting as necessary (e.g., weekly monitoring actual vs projected hours worked for investments of $20M+).
  • Work closely with internal SMEs to validate and update contingency assumptions and resource forecasts throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure project financials (and all supporting documentation) is kept up to date and accurate.
  • Organize and maintain records for future reference (e.g., variance explanations, approvals on decisions, etc.).
• Variance Explanation / Reporting
  • Understand and report on variances between actual and forecasted spend.
  • Assist with developing recommendations to Digital and/or business leaders regarding financial forecasting and actual spend.

• Continuous Improvement
  • Bring forward ideas to continually improve an estimating process that includes the following: capital cost, O&M associated costs, overhead costs, labor analysis, Additional Funds Under Construction estimates, retirement costs, salvage, tax implications, and contingency assumptions, if applicable.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science or related field from an accredited University required. CPA, CFA, MBA or similar advanced degree in business, finance, or economics preferred. Three or more years of relevant professional experience required (e.g., accounting, financial reporting, analysis or modeling, cost modeling, project management, and business planning). Experience in IT/technology and financial planning preferred.

In addition to the above qualifications, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

Required: High level of accuracy and attention to detail; analytical skills. Predisposition to take initiative and collaborate. Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously. Average or better proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Preferred: General understanding of capital planning, corporate finance, forecasting, and investment concepts, practices, and methods. Problem solving and planning skills. Advanced financial, statistical, and quantitative modeling skills. Strong communication (written/verbal), interpersonal skills. Experience with financial applications such as UIP, PCM, Primavera, PowerPlant and API.

Additional Information

Ameren's selection process includes a series of interviews and may include an applicant assessment process. Specific details will be provided to qualified candidates.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.