Cost Controls Specialist, Senior Los Angeles, California,

We’re seeking a Senior Cost Control Specialist to support large, complex heavy civil infrastructure programs, including highways, roads, bridges, transit (bus and rail), aviation (international airports), and water/wastewater projects delivered through both traditional and alternative delivery methods. Your main focus will be cost accounting for a public infrastructure rebuild program, where you’ll also partner on the design, implementation, and day-to-day administration of its rebate program, with controls that keep every payment eligible, traceable, and audit ready.

This is a long-term, full-time, on-site position located in Los Angeles, CA.

may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Track and reconcile project costs, budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources.
• Establish cost codes, job cost structures, and cost capture procedures aligned with agency accounting methods, so costs are recorded consistently and remain eligible for reimbursement.
• Partner on the design and implementation of the rebuild rebate program and administer it day to day, including eligibility criteria, application and verification workflows, and payment tracking.
• Develop internal controls that prevent duplicate or ineligible payments and keep the program audit ready.
• Protect applicant and financial information in line with applicable privacy requirements.
• Explain program rules and financial requirements to the public and internal staff.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for management and oversight bodies.
• Coordinate with project managers, finance staff, auditors, and partner agencies to resolve cost and reimbursement issues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills.
• Collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork, trust, and positive relationships.
• Natural curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of cost accounting or public program financial management experience, including 5+ years in the public sector covering cost accounting, grant or program financial management, and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to track and reconcile project costs, budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures across multiple projects and funding sources.
• Experience establishing cost codes, job cost structures, and cost capture procedures aligned with public agency accounting methods.
• Experience developing and implementing rebate, reimbursement, grant, or incentive programs, including eligibility criteria, application and verification workflows, and payment tracking.
• Experience designing internal controls that prevent duplicate or ineligible payments and keep programs audit ready.
• Track record preparing financial reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for management and oversight bodies.
• Working knowledge of governmental financial and accounting systems.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365 (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or business administration.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Knowledge of federal and state reimbursement requirements, including FEMA Public Assistance and 2 CFR 200, and related documentation standards.
• Experience with disaster recovery or post-disaster financial programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power BI,…