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Cost Recovery Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Financial Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Financial Analyst supports a broad range of wholesale billing, cost recovery, and grant management functions. This role operates at an expert level with minimal supervision and ...

Monitor and analyze earned revenue, operating expenses and capital project activity. * Extract ... or cost recovery calculations, reports and tracking. * Provide financial backup for capital ...

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Cost Recovery Analyst information

See salary details

$37K

$86.3K

$127.5K

How much do cost recovery analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost recovery analyst in the United States is $86,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cost Recovery Analyst do?

A Cost Recovery Analyst is responsible for identifying costs that can be recovered from clients, vendors, or government programs, and ensuring that these recoverable expenses are accurately tracked, reported, and reimbursed. They analyze financial data, review contracts, and work closely with other departments to maximize the organization's reimbursement opportunities. Their work helps companies minimize financial losses and improve overall profitability by recovering eligible costs efficiently.

What is the difference between Cost Recovery Analyst vs Budget Analyst?

AspectCost Recovery AnalystBudget Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related fieldRequires a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field
Work EnvironmentWorks in finance, accounting, or project management departments within various industriesWorks in government agencies, corporations, or non-profits managing financial plans
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in utilities, government, and infrastructure sectorsCommon across public and private sectors for financial planning

Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used in finance-related environments. The main difference is that a Cost Recovery Analyst focuses on identifying and recovering costs associated with projects or services, while a Budget Analyst primarily develops and manages budgets. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cost Recovery Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cost Recovery Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial reporting, and a background in accounting or finance, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel functions, and sometimes certifications like CPA or CMA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with stakeholders and ensuring data accuracy. These competencies are essential for accurately identifying recoverable costs, optimizing financial processes, and supporting organizational profitability.

How does a Cost Recovery Analyst typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Cost Recovery Analyst works closely with departments such as finance, operations, and project management to gather and verify cost data, ensure compliance with contractual obligations, and develop accurate billing or reimbursement reports. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to clarify financial requirements, resolve discrepancies, and streamline recovery processes. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as the analyst must interpret complex financial data and explain findings or recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
More about Cost Recovery Analyst jobs
Infographic showing various Cost Recovery Analyst job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,312 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Managerial Cost Accounting Federal Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Guidehouse

Washington, DC • On-site

$113K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Guidehouse rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Family:
Finance & Accounting Consulting
Travel Required:
Up to 10%
Clearance Required:
Ability to Obtain Public Trust
What You Will Do:
o Support the Project Manager with establishing and maintaining project plans, risk management, and integrated master schedules to drive execution across interdependent workstreams.
o Direct the design and implementation of cost allocation and billing models, including activity-based costing, service catalog development, and standardized financial data structures to support full cost recovery.
o Lead rate and cost model development.
o Ensure compliance with federal financial management standards, accounting standards, and internal controls (e.g., GAAP, FASAB, FAR, SFFAS 4 & SFFAS 10) and lead audit readiness and documentation efforts.
o Mentor junior staff, manage team performance, and contribute to business development, proposal efforts, and client relationship management.
What You Will Need:
o Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
o Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST".
o Based on our contractual obligations, candidate must be located within the United States and US Citizen.
o 6+ years of experience supporting governmental financial management, shared services, Working Capital Funds (WCF), or large-scale financial or cost accounting transformation programs.
o Experience supporting federal cost recovery funds or other federal Working Capital Fund environments.
o Experience leading cost modeling or cost accounting functions.
o Experience with managerial accounting functions and governance structures.
o Strong understanding of federal financial processes, including cost allocation, billing, budgeting, and financial reporting in a cost-recovery environment.
o Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and financial concepts for executive audiences.
o Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (financial modeling/analysis), PowerPoint (executive presentations), and Word.
o Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace productivity suite Docs, Sheets, and Slides
o This is a hybrid role.
What Would Be Nice To Have:
o Prior experience leading WCF transformation initiatives, including service catalog design and activity-based costing implementation.
o PMP, CPA, CGFM, or similar professional certification.
o Experience developing executive dashboards, visualization tools, and performance metrics (e.g., burn rates, net operating results).
o Experience supporting audit readiness, internal controls, and compliance activities aligned with GAAP, FASAB, and OMB A-123.
The annual salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$188,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
  • Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
  • Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
  • Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Basic Life & Supplemental Life
  • Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Student Loan PayDown
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
  • Skills Development & Certifications
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
  • Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
  • Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse's Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant's dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

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