Senior Cost Controls Specialist/Engineer

Senior Cost Controls Specialist/Engineer

Location: Somerset, NJ (Hybrid – up to 3 days a week in office)

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $105k - $140k Annual Base Salary

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Cost Controls Specialist/Engineer with 7+ years of experience to support cost management functions, including forecasting, variance analysis, invoice review, accruals, financial planning, and project estimates. This role is critical in ensuring the financial success of projects by providing accurate cost reporting, analysis, and strategic insight

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets and forecasts, ensuring alignment with project objectives.

• Perform variance analysis to identify and explain cost discrepancies, recommending corrective actions when necessary.

• Manage accruals and prepare monthly financial reports, including cost-to-complete and cost-at-completion analyses.

• Oversee invoice processing and validation to ensure compliance with contractual terms.

• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to develop and refine project estimates and budgets.

• Provide detailed financial planning and analysis, supporting decision-making processes.

• Prepare and present cost control reports, dashboards, and presentations to clients and internal teams.

• Ensure compliance with client requirements, industry standards, and best practices in cost control.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in cost control or financial planning, preferably in the utilities, construction, or energy sectors.

• Proficiency in cost management tools and software such as Primavera P6, SAP, or similar platforms.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in forecasting, variance analysis, and project estimates.

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.

• PMP, CCP, or related certifications are a plus.

Why CARIAN

Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities

Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results

Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams

Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships

Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a woman-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $105,000 to $140,000 annually, based on a full-time equivalent schedule. This range represents a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.