Junior Cost Analyst (Hybrid - Springfield, IL)
The Junior Cost Analyst supports state and local government projects by performing cost allocation and cost of service studies, analyzing financial data, and preparing detailed reports. This role involves client interaction, project management, and ensuring high-quality deliverables that meet financial and performance objectives. The position requires strong analytical, communication, and Excel skills, with a hybrid work arrangement based in Springfield, IL.
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
Confidential Client is seeking a Junior Cost Analyst to support cost allocation and cost-of-service studies for state and local government clients. This hybrid role (Springfield, IL) blends on-site client work with remote analysis and reporting.
- Perform cost allocation and cost-of-service studies for state and local governments.
- Analyze client financial records (expenditures, revenues, invoices, budgets, time sheets, work orders, fixed assets, depreciation, contracts, and general ledgers).
- Produce data-driven deliverables that meet scope, financial objectives, and implementation timeframes.
- Use Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) to transform and model financial data.
- Identify patterns, recommend actions, and measure outcomes through quantitative analysis.
- Present findings clearly in client-ready written reports and verbal briefings.
- Research relevant state and federal regulations impacting client engagements.
- Facilitate client meetings and interviews; build strong client relationships.
- Support proposals and responses to public solicitations and identify additional service opportunities.
- Manage project activities in line with client policies and performance targets.
- Travel up to 25% for client engagements as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- 0–3 years of consulting or accounting-related experience (entry-level to early-career).
- Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas); comfortable manipulating large datasets.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce client-ready documents with attention to detail.
- Comfortable with algebra and basic applied mathematics (fractions, percentages, ratios).
- Able to develop practical solutions to moderately complex problems.
- Must reside within a commutable distance of the Springfield, IL office and be willing/able to work onsite as required (hybrid schedule).
Preferred Skills & Experience
- 6+ months of related work experience or an equivalent internship.
- Understanding of cost accounting and cost allocation concepts.
- Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and local government operations.
- Experience with analytical tools and reporting best practices.
Location, Travel & Work Setup
- Location: Springfield, IL (hybrid). Must be able to work onsite in Springfield and remotely.
- Travel: Up to 25% for client meetings and site visits.
- Home office: Minimum internet speed of 20 Mbps; stable Wi‑Fi or wired (Cat5/6) connection required.
- Must currently and permanently reside in the Continental U.S.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000 per year (range provided by Confidential Client).
- Compensation considers job location, experience, and other factors; total rewards may include benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and program-specific incentives.
Reasonable Accommodations
Careertakes and our client provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance during any phase of the hiring process (including accessing postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews), please contact accommodations@careertakes.ai.
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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