Cost Specialist

Description
Cost Specialist II
Duration: This is an ongoing position so after the initial 1-year contract an extension is possible.

Intake Notes:
- Feedback on initial candidates and interviews:
o Buzzwords appeared to be added to resumes and summaries with no substantial experience to back them up.
o Some recruiter summaries were identical on multiple candidates which gave the impression they were disingenuous. Dont rely on AI to write your summary.
o Candidates were unable to explain their usage of required systems or had minimal interaction with the systems listed on their resume.
- For Future Submittals:
o Experience with SAP - must be able to articulate how they used SAP in their daily workflow
o Experience with EcoSys strongly preferred- must be able to walk through their usage of the system. If the candidate has used another system for forecasting they can be trained on EcoSys.
o Strong cost management background.
o Owners experience - end-to-end management of cost object controlling product cost planning and in-depth integration with logistics modules to drive profitability analysis.
o Capital Projects experience
o Oil Gas experience
o For this position it is acceptable to bypass the P66 Resume Submittal Template.

Description:
- Good understanding of the project process and interactions required to execute projects
- Experience with major EPC or oil gas operators
- Proficiency in cost control and reporting software EcoSys SAP and PowerBI
- Professional certifications e.g. AACE CCP PMP or similar
- Familiarity with project planning and scheduling processes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Develop and maintain project cost reports forecasts and variance analyses
- Monitor project expenditures against budgets and provide early warning of potential cost overruns
- Support preparation of cost estimates and budgets for new projects and change orders
- Work closely with Project Managers Planners and Finance teams to provide cost data and financial insights
- Prepare and present regular cost performance reports to management and stakeholders
- Review and validate invoices purchase orders and contracts for compliance with cost coding and budget allocations
- Maintain cost control systems and ensure data integrity in cost management software
- Assist in cash flow forecasting and financial planning
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements
Skills
project controls, cost management, cost forecasting, variance analysis
Top Skills Details
project controls, cost management, cost forecasting, variance analysis
Additional Skills & Qualifications
1. Credibility & Depth of Experience (Not Resume Keywords)
A major theme from interview feedback is the need for substance over buzzwords.
-Ability to clearly explain how tools like SAP and EcoSys were used in daily work
-Concrete examples of forecasts built, variances analyzed, or risks flagged
-Consistency between rsum claims and verbal explanations
Candidates must demonstrate real, hands-on experience, not theoretical familiarity.
2. Owner-Side Mindset & Accountability
They are seeking someone who thinks and acts like an owner, not just a project support resource.
-Comfort owning cost numbers end-to-end
-Accountability for forecast accuracy and data quality
-Willingness to raise issues early-even when uncomfortable
This role requires confidence standing behind the numbers.
3. Strong Business & Financial Judgment
Beyond technical cost controls, they want someone who understands why the numbers matter.
-Ability to identify meaningful cost drivers vs. minor fluctuations
-Sound judgment when evaluating change orders and trends
-Understanding of how cost performance impacts project ROI and capital decisions
The best candidates connect cost data to business outcomes.
4. Ability to Operate in a Structured, Governed Environment
As a large oil & gas operator, our customer values discipline and consistency.
-Respect for established processes, approvals, and controls
-Comfort working within governance frameworks
-Attention to compliance, auditability, and documentation
This is not a "move fast and break things" environment.
Experience Level
Intermediate Level
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $54.00 - $60.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Houston,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Feb 9, 2026.
>About TEKsystems:
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.