Cost Analyst

Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Mechanical department coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department’s goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Budget Administration, the Cost Analyst will conduct financial and operational reviews of Metra's Mechanical Department; monitor labor and material costs; analyze financial trends; and recommend line item allocations for the annual budget.

Track and analyze financial, operational, and statistical information related to actual versus budget expenditures for material and labor cost for Metra's Mechanical Department, including Rock Island, Milwaukee, and Metra Electric. Research actual cost variance verse the approved budget, analyze financial trends and conditions, and develop financial forecasts for funding requests. Prepare various ad hoc operational and financial status reports detailing capital and operation expenditures for senior management. Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations to ensure accuracy and make adjustments as needed to ensure that costs hit the correct capital and operations projects. Work with Accounting department to reconcile errors posted to incorrect labor, inventory, or program accounts. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline.
• In addition to #1, must have three (3) years experience in financial analysis, reporting, and budgeting.
• Good knowledge of budgeting concepts, principles, and techniques.
• Good knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Good knowledge of accounting and forecasting principles.
• Good analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Skill performing complex financial, statistical, and comparative analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advance skill in Excel, including Pivot Tables.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to set priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to work with individuals of all levels within the organization.
• Ability to assess operations, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements.

Preferences:

Experience in a railroad, transportation, or manufacturing environment preferred.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.