Cost Controls Analyst

When you care deeply about the work you do, it’s rewarding to see it through from concept to completion. We partner with clients to provide both program management and construction management to strategize, plan, and implement projects that drive organizations forward. From hospitals and airports to university campuses, mass transit systems, water treatment facilities, mines, and wind farms, we've successfully managed thousands of projects.  

Joining our team, turning visionary ideas into reality, will shape your future—and the future of your community. 

We are strategizing, planning, and implementing projects that help clients achieve their organization’s objectives. Join our award-winning program management team and bring transformational project solutions to life.

Your Opportunity 

The Cost Analytics Lead provides advanced financial and cost analysis to support effective decision‑making across capital programs and projects. This role transforms cost, schedule, and performance data into actionable insights, enabling proactive management of budgets, forecasts, risks, and funding strategies. The position partners with program controls, project managers, finance, and executive stakeholders to ensure cost transparency, accuracy, and predictability throughout the project lifecycle.

Your Key Responsibilities

Cost Analytics & Forecasting

• Analyze project and portfolio budgets, forecasts, and Estimates at Completion (EAC), identifying trends, risks, and variances.
• Perform detailed cost variance, trend, and sensitivity analyses to support proactive corrective actions.

Data‑Driven Reporting & Insights

• Configure and review financial performance reports within existing reporting environment analytical reports, dashboards, and executive summaries focused on performance, cash flow, and funding status.
• Translate complex cost data into clear, concise insights for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Manage and report of Portfolio performance of key projects, within the overall Program

Financial Modeling & Cash Flow Analysis

• Review and analyze program and project cash flow models to support reporting strategies and financial performance.
• Analyze budget, funding and spend performance 
• Detailed review of performance data from Reporting Dashboards and Program Management software 
• Generate monthly budget update and cash flow projections required to model rates and revenue requirements
• Prepare reports that outline the program/project’s financial position in the areas of funding and costs

Data Quality & Governance

• Perform QA/QC on cost data, forecasts, and assumptions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and auditability.
• Establish standardized analytical methodologies, metrics, and reporting frameworks across projects.

Change Management & Risk Support

• Analyze cost impacts associated with scope changes, risks, and claims.
• Support change management processes through scenario analysis and what‑if modeling.
• Provide analytical input to support negotiations and decision‑making related to cost allocation and funding strategies.

Assist with Project Financial Management

• Maintain Contract Activity Reports (SLBE/ELBE, MBE, WBE, etc.)
• Monitor and report on program expenditures including consultant and contractor costs
• Provide QA/QC of monthly forecasts proposed by Project Managers in order to prepare monthly Estimate to Complete (ETC) updates
• Coordination of changes to contracts with consultants and contractors
• Support preparation of level of effort cost estimates
• Support preparation of work order packages 
• QA/QC of Consultant and Contractor invoices

Stakeholder Collaboration

• As a client representative, with oversight responsibilities; relationship and communication skills are of the highest importance. The ability to collaborate, communicate and work in a multi-function matrix is essential.
• Partner with project managers, schedulers, finance teams, and executives to align cost analytics with program objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor by providing objective, data‑driven insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Support development of best practices in cost analytics and program controls across the organization.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Advanced cost analysis, forecasting, and financial modeling
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Expertise in budgets, EAC, cash flow, and variance analysis
• Ability to communicate insights clearly and effectively
• High attention to data integrity, governance, and process improvement
• Previous experience in interpreting Dashboard data, (Power BI or similar) is preferred
• Previous experience using Trimble Unity Construct (eBuilder), or similar, would be an advantage
• Understanding project control concepts and ability to effectively communicate ideas to others.
• Recognizes when technical problems are developing and initiates appropriate corrective actions.
• Experience with Cost Management services including cost control, planning, earned value analysis, forecasting, report production, cash flow maintenance & change management
• Ability to check own work for accuracy and completeness and manage time to meet project budget and schedule.
• Ability to participate and collaborate in project team setting and to engage in creative and critical thought.
• Experience working within virtual collaborative work environments
• Experience working on complex multi-discipline capital programs/projects is required
• Experience working with collaborative platforms such as SharePoint is desired

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
• Professional designations such as CPA or CFA are an asset
• 5 years of experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or similar roles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis software
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial statements

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

#Program&ProjectControls