USA - Senior Project Cost Analyst

We are looking for an experienced Senior Project Cost Analyst to support complex financial planning and cost oversight activities for capital and operational initiatives. This Long-term Contract position is well suited for a detail-oriented individual who can combine strong analytical judgment with effective cross-functional partnership. The role will focus on cost forecasting, budget performance, reporting accuracy, and collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain stakeholders to help guide informed business decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead project cost tracking activities by monitoring budgets, commitments, actual spending, and forecast changes across multiple initiatives.

• Build and maintain detailed financial models, reporting tools, and standardized templates to improve visibility into project and capital expenditures.

• Partner with project managers, engineering teams, manufacturing leaders, and supply chain contacts to evaluate financial performance and identify cost risks early.

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc analyses that explain budget variances, spending trends, and projected outcomes for leadership review.

• Support capital expenditure planning by aligning project forecasts with cost center expectations, funding assumptions, and business priorities.

• Review vendor proposals, pricing inputs, and request-for-proposal related cost details to strengthen financial decision-making.

• Contribute to process discipline during onboarding and team coordination activities, including periodic travel for in-person collaboration when needed.

• Help maintain data quality and reporting consistency across project controls by validating inputs and improving documentation practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

• Significant experience in project cost control, financial analysis, or capital project accounting at a senior level.

• Strong knowledge of budget management, forecasting, variance analysis, and CapEx reporting practices.

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and global supply chain environments.

• Advanced proficiency with financial reporting tools, spreadsheets, and data analysis methods.

• Comfortable operating in a hybrid environment with approximately three onsite days per week in Bannockburn, Illinois, or working remotely with availability for initial onboarding and monthly travel.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to present clear financial insights to project and business stakeholders.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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