Cost Analyst

Cost Analyst

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Type: Contract

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits: Begin on Day 1

Additional Benefits: Paid time off and paid holidays

Position Overview

Reliance One is hiring a detail-oriented Cost Analyst for an established construction and engineering client in San Antonio, Texas.

The Cost Analyst will support construction cost planning, estimating, budgeting, financial controls, procurement, change-order management, and project closeout. This position will review architectural and engineering documents, prepare quantity takeoffs, monitor project spending, and provide accurate financial information throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning and Estimating

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, and detailed design-phase construction cost estimates.
• Establish baseline budgets and cost breakdown structures.
• Perform material quantity takeoffs using architectural drawings, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and BIM models.
• Review project scope and identify potential cost risks.
• Support value-engineering analyses to identify cost-saving alternatives without compromising structural integrity, quality, or design intent.

Financial Management and Cost Control

• Monitor project expenditures, committed costs, work-in-place, and remaining project budgets.
• Apply Earned Value Management principles to calculate Variance at Completion and Estimate at Completion.
• Develop and update monthly cash-flow forecasts and construction draw schedules.
• Support project liquidity planning and owner billing cycles.
• Maintain accurate and organized project cost records.
• Prepare cost reports and communicate budget concerns to project stakeholders.

Change Orders and Vendor Management

• Review, audit, and validate subcontractor change-order requests.
• Compare proposed pricing with market rates, project budgets, and contract allowances.
• Assist procurement teams with construction scope packages and trade-contractor bid evaluations.
• Support financial risk assessments for major vendors and subcontractors.
• Maintain documentation supporting purchasing and cost-control decisions.

Payment Applications and Project Closeout

• Review monthly construction payment applications, including AIA G702 and G703 forms.
• Verify payment requests, lien waivers, and supporting documentation against confirmed field progress.
• Identify discrepancies before payments are authorized.
• Complete final financial reconciliations at project closeout.
• Reconcile contingency funds and audit final subcontractor accounts.
• Confirm that all cost records and supporting documentation are complete and accurate.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree required.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and financial accuracy.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed cost records.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and general business software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with construction cost estimating, budgeting, or project controls.
• Familiarity with quantity takeoffs, BIM models, and cost breakdown structures.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management, cash-flow forecasting, and change-order review.
• Experience reviewing AIA G702/G703 payment applications and lien waivers.
• Familiarity with value engineering, procurement, subcontractor bids, or project closeout.

Reliance One, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex—including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity—national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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