Cost Controller Jobs
Cost Controller jobs are open across manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, and financial services, from junior analyst to senior and director level, with specializations in project cost control, variance analysis, and budget forecasting. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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In this role, you will support all phases of the project costs and schedule reporting using the most current industry practices and software. Work under the supervision of Senior Controllers, Project Managers to integrate with engineering, procurement, cost, schedule, technical & construction disciplines for seamless reporting to ensure effective project delivery.
Position Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the Project Manager (PM), Discipline Leads, and Engineers to ensure accurate and consistent reporting across all project platforms.
- Coordinate with the team to understand and contribute to the development of estimates used in bid package budgeting.
- Provide support for PNR and BRR updates and maintain report accuracy and consistency across systems.
- Partner with the PM and Procurement Manager to manage budget comparison tools and systems.
- Assist in translating bid breakdowns into Schedules of Values (SOVs) and maintain a working knowledge of contract scopes and line items.
- Lead the development and presentation of cost reports using Procore, Power BI, and UDF, and manage spend plan updates and reporting.
- Set up and maintain dashboards and custom reporting tools in coordination with the project team.
- Work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced project environment that encourages positive contributions and teamwork.
- Support estimating, procurement, and project management efforts related to scope coordination, work package definition, contract development, and bid evaluation as directed by the PM.
- Engage in company-wide collaboration to enhance systems, processes, and institutional knowledge for continuous improvement.
- Facilitate agreement on contractor SOVs, monitor progress, and validate invoicing and payments.
- Coordinate with accounting to align project billing with current funding and client invoices, ensuring complete documentation at every stage.
- Actively participate in change control processes, including tracking cost trends and assisting in the validation and integration of pricing adjustments and change orders.
- Operate and support integrated cost reporting systems.
- Prepare detailed cost reports covering budgets, changes, commitments (POs), spending, anticipated costs, and forecasts, ensuring data integrity and reliable project forecasting.
- Contribute to processes related to budgeting, invoicing, change control, and cost forecasting across the EPCQ (engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification) project life cycle.
- Create clear visualizations, graphics, and outputs to support team communication. Provide updates on cash flow projections, staffing plans, and contingency usage.
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Support alignment between cost and schedule data, and assist in the preparation of schedule progress reports, trend analysis, and schedule assessments.
- Note: Schedule development is managed by a separate Scheduling role.
- Support the PM and project team in closeout activities and documentation.
- Compile historical cost data and capture key lessons learned at project completion.
- BS degree in engineering or related technical field, construction management, or applicable experience.
- 0-3 years of professional experience.
- Aptitude, ability, and capacity to progressively broaden knowledge of engineering, procurement, construction, and qualification (EPCQ) processes in the Pharma/Biotech Industry.
- Strong analytical and computer skills.
- Experience with data management tools (MS Excel, MS Access, Power BI, etc.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills are required, with the ability to prioritize and manage large amounts of information to effectively meet deadlines.
- Desire to work towards PMI, AACEI, or other industry certifications.
- Exposure to financial ERP systems is desirable.
- Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
- Must possess the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
- Must be able to climb ladders as necessary.
- Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, which may include exposure to varying working conditions.
- Must be able to adhere to strict cleanroom gowning protocol.
- This position will have 50% travel, or as required by the assigned project.
- Position may be assigned to the client site for an extended period.
- Overnight travel or staying in the city of the Client’s location is possible, depending on the assignment.
- Please review the IPS Travel Policy.
- You will visit construction sites and will be required to take site safety training and adhere to site safety rules.
- Must have access to reliable transportation.
- Must have the ability to travel and commute on a daily or routine basis.
- This position is a safety-sensitive position.
- The employee is designated for field work and attends activities at client sites where they work in construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, research, or other "non-administrative" areas.
Specialties
Process Architecture, Process Design, Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Qualification, LEAN Project Delivery, Strategic Master Planning, Energy Conservation Management, Project Controls, Program/Project Management, Operations/Logistics Strategy and Planning, EPCMV, and Staffing Services.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at IPS without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran, marital, or citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. IPS is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
The salary offered for this role is between $72,000 and $96,000, but the actual salary offered is dependent on experience, skill set, and education.
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost controller jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or engineering with three to five years of relevant experience
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Maximo for cost tracking and reporting
- Experience building and maintaining cost reports, forecasts, and earned value analyses
- Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, formulas, and variance reporting models
- Familiarity with project management software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project
- CPA, CMA, or AACE certification preferred for senior and director-level roles
Tips for Your Cost Controller Job Search
Quantify your variance analysis wins
Cost controller resumes that convert list actual dollar amounts saved or percentage variances identified, not vague duties. Recruiters want to see the gap you caught, the corrective action you recommended, and the outcome, in that order.
Match your tools to the posting
Many cost controller postings specify SAP, Oracle, or Primavera P6. Mirror the exact tool names from each posting in your resume and cover letter so your application clears automated screening before a human ever reads it.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists cost controller openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by project phase
Cost controller openings in construction and energy often specify a project phase, pre-construction, execution, or closeout. Applying to roles that match the phase you know best means your experience maps directly to the work from day one.
Prep a walkthrough of a budget overrun
Interviewers for cost controller roles almost always ask how you handled a cost overrun. Prepare a concise example covering what you caught, when you flagged it, what you recommended, and what changed as a result.
Negotiate using total project value context
When discussing compensation, tie your ask to the scale of budgets you've controlled. Employers in capital-intensive industries view cost controller pay relative to project size, so naming the budget scope you've managed strengthens your position directly.
Cost Controller Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most cost controllers?
The most active employers for cost controllers right now are Turner & Townsend Pty Limited, HII, and IPS-Integrated Project Services, and the most openings are in Texas, Illinois, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Industries driving the highest volume include energy, large-scale construction, and defense contracting.
How many cost controller jobs are remote?
About 50% of cost controller openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by industry. Roles focused on financial reporting, forecasting, and ERP data analysis tend to be the most remote-friendly, while site-based project cost control in construction and energy typically requires on-site presence.
How do you become a cost controller?
Start with a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, then gain experience in budgeting, financial reporting, or project finance. Build proficiency in at least one major ERP system. Move into a cost analyst role, take on variance reporting and forecasting responsibilities, and pursue a CMA or AACE certification to qualify for senior cost controller positions.
How do you get hired as a cost controller with little experience?
Entry-level cost controller roles often go to candidates who've held cost analyst, project accountant, or budget analyst positions, even briefly. Highlight any work involving variance analysis, purchase order tracking, or cost-to-complete forecasting. Demonstrating hands-on ERP experience and earning an AACE certification or CMA credential early signals serious intent and separates you from other junior applicants.
What does the cost controller interview process look like?
Most cost controller interviews run two to three rounds. The first is a recruiter screen covering background and tool experience. The second involves a hiring manager or finance director asking behavioral and technical questions, including how you've handled budget overruns or forecast misses. A final round may include a case study or model review and a conversation with project leadership.
Where can I find and apply to cost controller jobs?
You can find and apply to cost controller jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your industry background and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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