FULLY REMOTE Cost Estimator
The Cost Estimator role supports program financial management within a defense environment by developing sales forecasts, performing variance analysis, and contributing to financial planning such as Annual Operating Plans and Estimates at Completion. This hybrid position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting, providing insights to program leadership and supporting continuous improvement in forecasting processes.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Accounting & Finance.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Program Cost Controls role will support program financial management for complex defense programs. Responsibilities include:
- Support development and maintenance of weekly and monthly sales and cost forecasts, ensuring alignment with program financial objectives
- Assist in Annual Operating Plan (AOP) creation and updates, including data consolidation, analysis, and reporting
- Perform weekly, monthly, and quarterly variance analysis and highlight key cost, schedule, and performance drivers
- Contribute to development and updates of Estimate at Completion (EAC) and other program-level forecasts
- Analyze program financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities and communicate findings to program leadership
- Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain to support accurate financial tracking and execution
- Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and reports for program reviews and leadership requests
- Help improve forecasting processes, reporting tools, and data quality through continuous improvement initiatives
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is an early-career finance professional with strong analytical and communication skills:
- Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, or a related discipline
- Less than 2 years of professional experience in a finance or accounting function preferred
- Experience in financial reporting, data analysis, forecasting, or process improvement
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, data visualization)
- Knowledge of SAP, SAP Business Warehouse, or similar enterprise financial systems is a plus
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and capability to work in cross-functional teams
- U.S. citizenship is required to access certain program financial systems per contractual requirements
This role is suitable for candidates seeking hands-on experience in program financial management and cost controls within the defense/industrial accounting environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated pay: $130,311 per year (estimated). Actual pay will depend on role responsibilities, candidate experience, location, and other factors.
- Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, holidays, and potential incentive programs depending on the business unit and level.
- Specific benefits and pay structure are determined by the hiring client and may vary.
Location & Work Model
- This role is offered in a hybrid capacity. The preferred candidate will be located within a commutable distance to Mckinney, TX.
- Commuting to an assigned site when required is the employee’s responsibility. Some interview steps may be required in-person at a client office location.
- Relocation assistance is not being provided for this role.
Why This Role Matters
- Gain hands-on experience supporting high-visibility programs and strengthen skills in forecasting, variance analysis, financial modeling, and reporting tools.
- Work within a collaborative program finance team and partner with Program Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain to influence program outcomes.
- Build a foundation for a career in cost analysis, program controls, or corporate finance within the Accounting & Finance industry.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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