Job Description
Based on education, experience and interview, this opportunity will be filled commensurately at either title in the Project Cost Analyst job family:
Project Cost Analyst Principal (grade 8)
Project Cost Analyst Sr. (grade 7)
This role will support complex technology projects and be responsible for coordinating project cost analysis and controls for team activities supporting the Project Managers (PMs), or other staff, including overseeing the cost reporting for multiple projects and monitoring project budgets to assure accurate depiction of project cost on large and complex projects under minimal supervision. Responsibilities include input of budgets within the AEP corporate systems, providing ongoing forecast updates and variance analysis at the program and project levels, input and tracking of key performance indicators, and working collaboratively with project teams to implement project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle. Provides communication and develops partnerships with internal and external customers. As a senior member of the team, expectations include developing/conducting training, leading continuous process improvement efforts and developing tools and processes utilized within the work group. Depending on the assigned business unit, this position might also be responsible for creation of work orders and having direct interface in coordinating with external contractors and vendors to integrate these parties into the overall project budget and schedule
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS are listed below:
- Coordinate project meetings and work with project team members on project activities. Support the PM in the preparation and updating of project documentation and planning.
- Prepare forecasts of project spending and cash flows, budget variance monitoring, cost tracking/analysis. Depending on business unit needs, provide analysis and verification for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) activities and assist with providing input to annual budget, capital forecasts, five-year plan and improvement requisitions. Perform estimate vs. actuals analysis.
- Collaborate with Project Management (PM), and other vested parties to perform variance reporting and/or establish original baseline budgets that are time-phased with dates from the system schedule. Create project breakdown structures.
- Perform some departmental organizational functions when necessary and as assigned to ensure the smooth operation of project functions. This might include tracking, analyzing, and submitting verifying information for unvouchered liabilities (UVLs), keeping project system records current and complete, and coordinating the work order process related to a project from creation of the work order through in-servicing and closing.
- Assist in the contracting process. This might include bidding activities, analysis of cost, cost tracking, etc.
- Communicate with project team, resources, and other internal and external stakeholders on various budgetary items. Work with others in both supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.
- Works independently in resolving moderately complex problems. Perform varied assignments demonstrating technical knowledge and analytical techniques to solution of problems or analysis. Apply problem solving skills to resolve technical problems and initiate solution techniques.
- Develop and compile Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are measurable outcomes (scope, budgeting, schedule performance, cost performance, forecasting, etc.)
- Providing strong teamwork with colleagues, vendors and/or customers and responding to customer/vendor inquiries, resolving work order issues and/or implementing action plans in a fast-paced, results-oriented team.
- Lead the administration of the AEP project/work management organizational standards and assist in the management of projects to those standards. Adhere to the guidance and standards put forth by the AEP Project Management Governance Committee.
- Provide training and guidance to lower level employees as appropriate. Demonstrates the development as a subject matter expert in several areas. Ability to mentor, develop, and guide lower level PC Analyst through a training plan if appointed as mentor/trainer by supervision. Validation that training is complete and is being applied.
- Recommend improvements that enhance the role, project performance, and AEP's performance in regard to service and product delivery as well as environmental and community stewardship.
- Depending on the assigned business unit, advise and counsel all key contractors, vendors, suppliers, and/or less experienced project cost controls team members associated with the programs and projects to obtain all project performance related data and integrate into a total project performance analysis.
Minimum Requirements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Education requirement is dependent upon experience as indicated below. An Associate's degree or higher is required.
Qualified degrees must be in a related field from an accredited university or college and could include Accounting, Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Technology, or Project Management.
With a High School Diploma or GED, four (4) years' experience as a Project Cost Analyst (grade 006).
With a qualified Associate's degree, six (6) years' qualified experience.
With a qualified Bachelor's degree, four (4) years' qualified experience required.
Experience:
Qualified experience includes utility specific operations knowledge/experience with a good working knowledge of work processes and procedures. Experience should be in design, operations, planning, project management, cost tracking analysis, forecasting, project budgets, working with accounting principles, and/or construction or maintenance of systems and/or equipment.
License/Certifications:
A professional or trade certification such as a CCMP, CETa, IQCP, PMP, RMP, etc. is not required at this level. A certification is required to progress to the Principal (grade 008) level of this job family if you have a high school diploma/GED or non-qualified higher education degree. Otherwise, a certification is preferred at the Principal level
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. Demonstrate ability to manage time effectively and efficiently and demonstrate organizational and planning skills, as well an aptitude for accuracy, attention to detail and ability to achieve goals.
2. Demonstrates an advanced level of technical knowledge related to writing and verbal communication.
3. Proficient in use of computer and MS Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
4. Team player with ability to work and collaborate well with others.
5. Some travel, including overnight, may be required.
6. Understand and support the policies, values, principles, structure and behavior of AEP.
7. Safely and effectively perform light physical duties at various work sites including home and AEP locations in varying conditions.
8. Experience with corporate accounting and project cost management systems, construction environments, earned value management, and scheduling systems is required.
9. Availability to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work may be required depending on business unit.
10. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills backed by an enthusiastic approach and a diligent client focus.
11. Ability to interface and work well with different levels of individual contributors and management is required.
12. For nuclear positions, work performed at nuclear power sites may involve work in hazardous areas and possible radiation exposure within the limits prescribed by the NRC
American Electric Power
1 Riverside Plaza
Columbus
Ohio United States
www.aep.com
