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Job Title: Cost AnalystPosition Summary

The Cost Analyst is responsible for leading and executing comprehensive cost management, cost forecasting, schedule integration, and risk analysis activities in support of major capital projects. The role ensures accurate project cost performance measurement, enhances predictability through quantitative and qualitative assessment, and enables corrective, preventive, and predictive actions across the project lifecycle. This position operates in alignment with industry standards, NiSource Project Management Guidelines, and best practices.

Key ResponsibilitiesCost Management & Forecasting

+ Increase proficiency in cost analysis and integrated cost–schedule forecasting utilizing quantitative risk management tools such as Expected Monetary Value (EMV) and Sensitivity Analysis.

+ Develop and maintain qualitative integrated project baselines to measure, monitor, and improve project performance.

+ Apply cost-of-quality principles to strengthen cost management processes.

+ Provide continuous life-cycle cost estimating and forecasting to improve predictability.

+ Manage the project budget and cost performance baseline.

+ Maintain and manage the project Estimate at Completion (EAC), and recommend improvements to project stakeholders.

+ Direct overall cost management efforts and tailor cost processes, tools, and techniques to enhance cost performance.

Risk & Quality Integration

+ Apply integrated, objective risk management practices to project baselines to optimize risk responses.

+ Integrate scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality to improve project predictability and performance.

+ Use schedule analysis techniques to optimize schedule and cost outcomes.

Contract & Commercial Management

+ Coordinate contract commercial management activities including payments, performance assessments, reporting, and initial performance analysis.

+ Conduct contract reviews focusing on payment requirements, compliance, and supporting documentation.

+ Process labor timesheets, invoices, and contract-related submittals; assign and validate Nature of Expense, WBS, and Cost Budgeting System codes.

+ Assist Project Managers and Cost Budget Analysts in the accrual process.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

+ Perform cost and schedule analysis to identify variances, trends, and required corrective or preventive actions.

+ Deliver standard and advanced cost reports for key project stakeholders.

+ Evaluate manpower, labor hours, and labor cost requirements versus budget constraints.

Project Controls & Systems Integration

+ Apply core project controls expertise to enhance project predictability and performance.

+ Review, coordinate, and support the use of project management guidelines, standards, processes, job aids, and tools.

+ Integrate all project management subsidiary systems to improve overall execution.

+ Support Major Project Managers, Directors, and other stakeholders in retrieving and interpreting cost data.

Leadership & Communication

+ Utilize strong communication competencies to drive effective cost management decision-making.

+ Lead through situational leadership, inspiring and motivating project stakeholders.

+ Apply conflict resolution, teamwork, and value-based decision-making to support project objectives.

Required Qualifications

+ High School Diploma with 8+ years of experience working in Microsoft Excel or equivalent tools involving data manipulation, integration, and report generation;

+ OR

+ Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience in financial or cost management.

+ Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s Degree with 8+ years of advanced Excel experience (or equivalent software) in data manipulation and cost reporting.

+ Experience working in large industrial capital project environments.

+ Ability to develop and review project estimates, build project budgets, and analyze project schedules.

Core Competencies

+ Integrated knowledge of scope, schedule, cost, risk, and quality management.

+ Proficiency in quantitative risk management tools and techniques.

+ Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

+ Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

+ Personal effectiveness, cognitive ability, innovation, and value-based decision-making.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Valparaiso, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.89 - $47.89/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Valparaiso,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 29, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.