Cost Accountant jobs in Waco, TX

What We Are Looking For

Under the supervision of the Director of Construction Services, the Construction Project Cost Estimator will exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment using their experience in providing project cost estimates for a vast variety of projects across Baylor University. The ideal candidate will also bring experience with construction project scheduling. This position requires in-person presence at the Baylor University Facilities Management office.

*All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field; a combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of the degree requirement 
• An active Christian faith
• Five (5) years of construction-related estimating experience in commercial, healthcare and/or educational construction and renovation projects; experience working in a higher education environment is preferred
• Competency reviewing construction project documentation (e.g., plans and specifications)
• General knowledge of building materials and equipment, construction standards and market trends
• Requires a thorough understanding of contracts, specifically related to project costs, scheduling, claims, and related clauses
• Have excellent organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc…) and Bluebeam
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times
• Driver’s License – Must have a valid driver’s license

What You Will Do

• Develop and prepare conceptual estimates with minimal assistance using limited preliminary design documents and information
• Provide support to Baylor Project Managers in reviewing contractor change proposal requests, as needed 
• Reviewing and/or recommending substitution of materials, products, methods, etc., as needed, and also evaluating proposed value engineering solutions
• Compile and maintain cost database based on historical project costs
• Develop contractor interest in projects
• Assist with identifying potential vendors and suppliers for various services, products, etc.
• Assist with preparation of project descriptions for bid packages and RFPs to help enhance contractors’ understanding of project complexities and objectives (e.g., a project requires special A/V integration that may require scope specificity beyond what the construction documents convey)
• Assist with contractor bid scoping to validate and align bids/proposals according to project specifics
• Interact with campus stakeholders, architects, engineers and Local Jurisdictions to understand and incorporate project objectives, schedules, permits, costs, etc.
• Assist with collection of actual miscellaneous project costs in support of Institutional needs, e.g., risk management, finance, audit, etc.
  • Example A: Valuation of roofing systems value for risk management and insurance purposes
  • Example B: Valuation of 3rd party retail space build-out for financial reporting
  • Example C: Cost appropriation of research versus non-research space costs within one overall project
• Work with Space Management Team to collect, provide and maintain costs/SF data across the Institution for financial reporting

The ideal candidate will also possess project scheduling skills to complement this role and to: 

• Provide support to Baylor Project Managers in reviewing project schedules, progress and schedule updates
• Evaluate amendments and change orders for impacts on schedule and review schedule extension requests
• Perform critical path analyses, as needed
• Develop initial project milestone schedules for targeted projects within the portfolio of Baylor’s long term capital planning program
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission 
• Ability to comply with university policies 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Illuminate.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!