Cost Control Specialist

KDG Construction Consulting is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Cost Control Specialist to support project cost accounting, financial reporting, budget tracking, and the development and administration of reimbursement, rebate, or incentive programs for complex public infrastructure, capital improvement, and recovery projects. This individual will be responsible for tracking and reconciling project costs, monitoring budgets and expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources, establishing cost control procedures, maintaining financial documentation, and implementing internal controls to support accurate reporting and program compliance.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in governmental or public-sector cost accounting, public program financial management, grant administration, or financial reporting. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, experience with governmental financial systems, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate effectively with project managers, finance staff, auditors, partner agencies, and program applicants in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Track, monitor, and reconcile project costs, budgets, encumbrances, expenditures, and financial commitments across multiple projects and funding sources.
• Support project cost accounting activities and maintain accurate financial records in accordance with established governmental accounting procedures and applicable requirements.
• Establish and maintain cost codes, job cost structures, cost tracking procedures, and documentation standards to ensure consistent and accurate capture of project expenditures.
• Monitor project budgets and actual expenditures, identify discrepancies and variances, and assist in developing corrective actions and financial recommendations.
• Assist in designing, implementing, and administering rebate, reimbursement, grant, or incentive programs supporting public infrastructure, construction, and recovery initiatives.
• Develop and maintain program eligibility criteria, application procedures, verification workflows, payment tracking processes, and supporting documentation requirements.
• Review applications and supporting documentation to verify eligibility, validate expenses, and ensure compliance with established program rules and funding requirements.
• Design, implement, and maintain internal controls to prevent duplicate, inaccurate, or ineligible payments and support audit readiness.
• Prepare financial reports, budget summaries, dashboards, expenditure analyses, and briefing materials for management and oversight bodies.
• Reconcile financial data across projects, funding sources, program records, and applicable financial systems to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain detailed records of payments, reimbursements, supporting documentation, approvals, and program transactions.
• Monitor program expenditures and funding utilization and identify potential financial risks, reporting discrepancies, and compliance concerns.
• Coordinate with project managers, finance personnel, auditors, program administrators, and partner agencies to resolve financial issues and support effective program administration.
• Assist with financial reviews, internal audits, external audits, and oversight activities by organizing records and providing supporting documentation.
• Interpret program rules, financial procedures, and reimbursement requirements and communicate them clearly to internal staff, applicants, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of applicant information, financial records, and sensitive program documentation in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and governmental financial systems to perform reconciliations, analyze financial data, track program payments, and prepare financial reports.
• Support the development and improvement of financial policies, procedures, reporting tools, and program administration workflows.
• Perform other cost accounting, financial reporting, program administration, and project controls duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in governmental or public-sector cost accounting, grant or program financial management, and financial reporting.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of cost accounting or public program financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience tracking and reconciling project costs, budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources.
• Experience establishing cost codes, job cost structures, financial tracking procedures, and consistent cost capture processes.
• Experience developing, implementing, or administering rebate, reimbursement, grant, or incentive programs, including eligibility requirements, application reviews, verification workflows, and payment tracking.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial procedures designed to prevent duplicate or ineligible payments and maintain audit-ready records.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial data analysis, reconciliations, reporting, and tracking tools.
• Experience working with governmental financial systems and public-sector accounting procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate financial reports, dashboards, budget summaries, expenditure analyses, and management briefing materials.
• Strong understanding of financial documentation, recordkeeping, budget monitoring, and expenditure reconciliation practices.
• Ability to maintain confidential applicant information, financial records, and sensitive program documentation in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial procedures, program eligibility requirements, and reimbursement rules to internal staff and members of the public.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and resolve financial issues accurately.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with project managers, finance staff, auditors, program administrators, and partner agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized financial records and supporting documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of federal and state reimbursement requirements, including FEMA Public Assistance, California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant compliance, allowable costs, reimbursement documentation, financial reporting, and audit requirements.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification.
• Experience supporting disaster recovery, post-disaster rebuilding, emergency reconstruction, or other public-sector recovery financial programs.
• Experience administering government-funded rebate, reimbursement, grant, or incentive programs involving applicant eligibility reviews and payment verification.
• Experience supporting public infrastructure, construction, capital improvement, or government-funded projects with multiple budgets and funding sources.
• Experience developing internal controls, financial review procedures, audit documentation, and compliance monitoring processes.
• Experience preparing financial dashboards, expenditure reports, budget forecasts, and executive-level presentations for management and oversight bodies.
• Familiarity with governmental accounting systems, job cost accounting structures, and public-sector financial management practices.
• Experience coordinating with auditors, government agencies, funding partners, and program stakeholders to resolve financial reporting and reimbursement issues.
Anticipated Salary Range: $164,000.00 – $188,000.00 per year
About KDG: KDG Construction Consulting is a leading provider of program, project, and construction management services. The firm serves clients across a broad range of industries and is committed to delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and measurable results. KDG’s collaborative approach and commitment to excellence help clients successfully achieve their strategic objectives.
Employment with KDG: KDG is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.