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Project Cost Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Cost Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're currently seeking a talented Project Cost Analyst , who will report to Controller. This will be a full-time position and the Project Cost Analyst is expected to work on-site at our office in ...

Senior Project Controller, Fuel

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are searching for a Sr. Project Controller, Fuel to join our team. Position Description We are ... Cost Control and Tracking: Provide trusted reporting, trending, and variance analyses of ...

Senior Project Controller, Fuel

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Retirement

We are searching for a Sr. Project Controller, Fuel to join our team. Position Description We are ... Cost Control and Tracking: Provide trusted reporting, trending, and variance analyses of ...

Project Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities JOB PURPOSE The Project Controller supports project controls, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting for renewable energy capital projects. This role ensures ...

Senior Project Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities JOB PURPOSE The Senior Project Controller is responsible for leading project ... This role ensures effective cost management, cash flow forecasting, and compliance with financial ...

Senior Project Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JOB PURPOSE The Senior Project Controller is responsible for leading project controls, financial ... This role ensures effective cost management, cash flow forecasting, and compliance with financial ...

Establish national cost control standards, thresholds, and escalation triggers that protect project ... Partner with FP&A, the Controller, and the CFO on board materials, lender covenant reporting, and ...

Controller

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Controller is a key member of the leadership team and reports directly to Executive ... Manage project cost accounting, including labor burden calculations, material costs, project ...

Controller

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... project cost accounting, including labor burden calculations, material costs, project profitability analysis, and real-time reporting by project and business unit. • Develop and maintain an ...

Project Controller

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Project Controller, Construction Controller, or Accounting Manager, the door is open for the right ... Manage job cost tracking, cost-to-complete forecasting, and budget variance analysis * Process and ...

Project Controller

San Diego, CA

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JOB PURPOSE The Project Controller supports project controls, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting for renewable energy capital projects. This role ensures accurate tracking of ...

Project Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities JOB PURPOSE The Project Controller supports project controls, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting for renewable energy capital projects. This role ensures ...

Controller

Northridge, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced and compliance-driven Controller to lead our accounting organization ... Ensure robust project and cost accounting frameworks are maintained to enable tracking of labor ...

Project controller

Oakland, CA · On-site

$125K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role ensures accurate forecasting, disciplined cost management, and alignment between staffing ... The position works closely with Finance, PMO, IT, Business stakeholders, and external vendors to ...

Controller

Anaheim, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Controller - Construction Location: Anaheim, CA A growing mechanical contractor is seeking a hands ... Work closely with Project Managers to identify cost variances, potential overruns, and changes in ...

Controller

Santa Cruz, CA · Hybrid

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Controller works closely with the COO/CFO and collaborates with project management, HR ... Maintain job cost accounting across all active projects using Jonas Premier (ERP) * Validate earned ...

Controller

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Controller works closely with the COO/CFO and collaborates with project management, HR ... Maintain job cost accounting across all active projects using Jonas Premier (ERP) * Validate earned ...

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Showing results 1-20

Project Cost Controller information

See California salary details

$35K

$97K

$146.1K

How much do project cost controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for project cost controller in California is $96,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project cost controller do?

A Project Cost Controller is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting the financial progress of a project. They work closely with project managers and stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed within budget by tracking expenses, forecasting costs, and identifying areas of potential savings or overruns. Their role involves preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, and generating regular financial reports to support decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project cost controller?

To thrive as a Project Cost Controller, you need strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and a background in engineering, finance, or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with project management software (like Primavera or MS Project), ERP systems, and cost control tools, as well as certifications such as AACE or PMP, is highly valuable. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate cost tracking, effective budget management, and informed decision-making, all of which are essential for project success.

How does a project cost controller typically interact with other departments to ensure accurate budgeting and forecasting?

As a Project Cost Controller, collaboration with various departments such as engineering, procurement, and project management is essential to gather up-to-date cost data and project progress information. Regular meetings and status updates help ensure that estimates reflect actual expenditures and anticipated changes. By maintaining open communication channels, the Cost Controller can promptly identify potential budget overruns or savings and advise stakeholders accordingly. This collaborative approach not only supports accurate forecasting but also fosters a proactive problem-solving environment.

What is the difference between Project Cost Controller vs Cost Analyst?

AspectProject Cost ControllerCost Analyst
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., PMP, CAPM), finance or accounting degreesFinance or accounting degrees, certifications like CMA or CPA beneficial
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or project-based industriesCorporate finance, manufacturing, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries managing large projects with budgetsUsed across industries for budgeting and cost analysis
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project-specific cost control rolesAnalyzing cost data for financial decision-making

The Project Cost Controller focuses on managing and monitoring costs within specific projects, ensuring budgets are adhered to. In contrast, the Cost Analyst analyzes overall cost data to support financial planning and decision-making across the organization. Both roles require financial expertise but differ in scope and application.

Is a project cost controller a good job?

A project cost controller is a valuable role responsible for managing project budgets, cost tracking, and financial reporting. It requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with tools like Excel or specialized software. The job offers opportunities for career growth in industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

What job categories do people searching Project Cost Controller jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Cost Controller jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Project Cost Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,990 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Project Cost Analyst

Over J Consulting

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Over J is a consulting firm with a solid foundation in engineering and utilities. We are keenly focused on partnering with our clients to find solutions to their toughest challenges in the fields of Engineering, Data amp; Database Management, Technology, Learning amp; Instructional Design, and Project Management.
We are headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, CA and are proud partners of some of the largest utilities in the state, including Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas amp; Electric, and Los Angeles Department of Water amp; Power. Over J was founded as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with a vision to enhance diversity and representation in the fields of engineering and utilities and we continue to contribute to this vision with every project, partnership, and new hire we invite to join our growing team.
We’re currently seeking a talented Project Cost Analyst, who will report to Controller. This will be a full-time position and the Project Cost Analyst is expected to work on-site at our office in Downtown Los Angeles.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for the review of estimate, schedule, budget and estimate to complete data for assigned projects.
  • Analyze schedule progress and performance and identify developing problem areas.
  • Assemble and compile schedule and cost data and inputs into the project control database and provide output to the project team.
  • Analyze critical path and restraints to determine the effect of changes to the schedule; recommend workarounds.
  • Advise management of risks that may affect project profit, costs, schedules and client relations.
  • Support the Project Management team in maintaining timely and effective change management processes, procedures and systems.
  • Help with development of KPIs and metrics to track progress.
  • QA/QC compliance documents and store in document controls system.
  • Support the development and maintenance of any periodic (daily, weekly, monthly) status reports to keep management and/or owner informed on the project progress.
  • Review invoices for correctness and compliance with contract terms and conditions.
  • Ensure that all commitments and invoices are accurately reported into the cost system.
  • Participate in the development of the Project Completion Report including the evaluation of all subcontractors and major vendors.
  • Incorporate field schedules in the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).
  • On field assignments, assist with quantity tracking, retrieving project data from subcontractors.
REQUIRED/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field with 3 to 5 years of project and/or construction management experience.
  • Must have knowledge of Primavera Project Planner (P6) and Microsoft Project Suite.
  • Must be able to demonstrate required knowledge of project control principles; understand the principles and concepts of cost engineering as it relates to budgeting, monitoring and tracking actual costs, change orders and forecasting; have advanced skills in planning and scheduling utilizing the critical path method, and be able, to set up basic cost reports required by the project manager.
  • Must understand the various contract types, i.e., cost plus, T amp;M, FFP and provide interpretation of the prime contract requirements.
  • Must have hands-on experience and be able to set up basic design and construction schedules and possess the knowledge of calculating physical percent complete and calculating overall percent complete for the project.
  • Must possess technical and practical applications of engineering, procurement and construction functions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Knowledge of cost accounting systems like SAP is a plus.
  • Knowledge of IBM Cognos TM1 is a plus.
  • Experience with Gas Utilities is a plus.
WHY OVER J?

At Over J, we’re OVER-the-moon about our team and know we couldn’t do the amazing work we do without them. Because of that, we make it our top priority to support our talented team members with compensation, benefits, and perks that inspire them to be and do their best work every day!
BENEFITS

Multiple medical plans to choose from
50% employer-paid medical, dental amp; vision plans and 100% life amp; AD amp;D insurance coverage for employees. Effective on the first of the month following the date of hire.
Employer-matched 401(k) plan
24/7 access to coaches amp; mental health benefits
Monthly commuter stipend of $115.00
Monthly technology stipend of $25
Bereavement leave
10 days of paid time off per year with unlimited accrual
6 days of paid sick time per year
11 paid company-wide holidays
Hybrid work environment (option to work remotely on Fridays)
Volunteering and learning amp; development opportunities.
Fully stocked kitchen (occasionally lunches and happy hours too)
Team building events and activities throughout the year.
Over J is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees thrive. We encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed above. We’re looking for TALENT not pedigrees.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
-Michael Jordan