Cost Controller – Public Works & Capital Projects

Job Title: Cost Control II

Location: Public Works Headquarters Building located at 900 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA

Pay Range : $155,000 - $165,000/year plus benefits

Client: County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Project Name: Rebuild Authority Program

Project Duration: Full-time term position (staff extension)

Anticipated Start Date: November 2026

Project Overview Public Works, Rebuild Authority Program, is seeking experienced Cost Control II personnel at the Document Control I level to provide to provide project cost accounting and to help design, implement, and administer a rebate program supporting the rebuild effort.

Daily Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor project budgets, costs, expenditures, and financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Track and reconcile project expenses across multiple projects and funding sources
• Develop and maintain cost control procedures, financial tracking systems, and reporting processes
• Support the development and administration of financial assistance, reimbursement, and incentive programs
• Prepare financial reports, budget analyses, forecasts, and presentations for management
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness
• Collaborate with project teams, finance personnel, and external stakeholders to support financial management and reporting
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, procedures, and regulations

Required Qualifications (Experience, Education, Certifications, Clearances, Etc.)

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in cost accounting or public program financial management, including at least 5 years in governmental or public-sector cost accounting, grant or program financial management, and financial reporting
• Ability to track and reconcile project costs, budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources
• Ability to establish cost codes, job cost structures, and procedures for consistent cost capture, compliant with LA County Public Works accounting methods and procedures
• Experience developing and implementing a rebate, reimbursement, grant, or incentive program, including eligibility criteria, application and verification workflows, and payment tracking
• Ability to design internal controls that prevent duplicate or ineligible payments and keep the program audit-ready
• Ability to prepare clear financial reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for management and oversight bodies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with governmental financial systems
• Ability to handle applicant and financial information confidentially and in accordance with privacy requirements
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including explaining program rules to the public and internal staff
• Ability to coordinate with project managers, finance staff, auditors, and partner agencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state reimbursement requirements (e.g., FEMA Public Assistance, Cal OES, 2 CFR 200) and related documentation standards
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
• Experience with disaster recovery or post-disaster financial programs