Senior Cost Control Specialist

About the Position

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, hybrid position located in Los Angeles, CA with up to 2 days remote.

Responsibilities 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.

Attributes

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or related field.
• 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.).

Preferred Qualifications

• 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, Oracle Cloud Analytics, or other dashboard KPI reporting software.

Compensation Details

Expected Salary: $120k-$165k/year ($57-$79/hour). Luster provides the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might offer for this position based on the successful candidate’s level of experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, certifications, licenses, geographic location, etc. Luster reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range depending on circumstances not related to any status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Just LOOK at the Benefits We Offer!

• Unlimited flexible time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent or elder care)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
• 401(k) plan with guaranteed employer contribution
• Formal career planning and development program
• $2,500 annually toward professional development
• Wellness program with monthly wellness stipend
• Company cell phone or cell phone plan reimbursement
• Free personalized meal planning and nutrition support with a registered dietitian
• Free personal financial planning services
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Employee referral bonus

Specific plan details and coverage for each benefit noted above will be provided upon offer. #IN-LNJS

If you wish to be considered for a position where there is not an active job posted, please search for our 'General Application' and apply. 

Luster is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to criminal history, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

All positions may be subject to a background check and drug test once a conditional offer of employment is made for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities, in accordance with all applicable local, state, and/or federal regulations.

This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Luster does not accept unsolicited resumes from any third-party. In the absence of a signed agreement, Luster will not consider or agree to payment of any kind. Any unsolicited resumes presented to Luster personnel, including those submitted to Luster hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Luster. 

Please email hiring@luster.com for accommodations necessary to complete the application process.