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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Earned Value Analyst

💰 $85,000 - $140,000

Project ManagementFinanceData AnalysisGovernment & Defense

🎯 Role Definition

An Earned Value Analyst is a critical linchpin in the successful execution of complex projects, serving as the financial and performance conscience of the program. You are the expert responsible for implementing and managing the Earned Value Management System (EVMS), a sophisticated methodology used to integrate a project's scope, schedule, and resources for objective performance measurement. By analyzing cost and schedule variances, forecasting project outcomes, and ensuring data integrity, you provide project managers and senior leadership with the crucial insights needed to make informed, proactive decisions. This role is pivotal in maintaining compliance with government and industry standards (like ANSI/EIA-748), identifying risks and opportunities, and ultimately steering large-scale programs toward on-time and on-budget delivery.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Project Controller or Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Project Scheduler or Planner
  • Cost Accountant

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Earned Value Analyst
  • Project Controls Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Manager of Program Finance

Lateral Moves:

  • Senior Financial Analyst (FP&A)
  • Senior Project Scheduler
  • Cost Estimating Manager
  • Project Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, maintain, and manage the project's Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) by integrating scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Implement and ensure rigorous adherence to ANSI/EIA-748 compliant Earned Value Management System (EVMS) guidelines across all project functions.
  • Perform detailed cost and schedule variance analysis (CV, SV, CPI, SPI), investigating root causes for deviations and collaborating with stakeholders to develop corrective action plans.
  • Generate, maintain, and critically analyze multiple Estimates at Completion (EACs) using various statistical and formula-based methods to provide realistic financial and schedule outcome forecasts.
  • Prepare, consolidate, and deliver monthly Integrated Program Management Reports (IPMR) or Contract Performance Reports (CPR), including Formats 1-5, for submission to clients and government agencies.
  • Lead and facilitate internal and external Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) to establish a mutual understanding and acceptance of the project's performance baseline.
  • Collaborate closely with Control Account Managers (CAMs) to provide training, support, and guidance in managing their budgets, collecting status, and writing variance explanations.
  • Manage the project's formal change control process, meticulously documenting and assessing the impact of baseline change requests (BCRs) on cost, schedule, and technical scope.
  • Ensure the systemic integrity and reconciliation of data between the master scheduling tool (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project), the cost accounting system (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and the EVM engine (e.g., Deltek Cobra).
  • Develop and maintain foundational project control documents, including the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), WBS Dictionary, and Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS).
  • Conduct regular data quality checks and system audits to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all EVMS data and reporting outputs.
  • Support the development of detailed Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to ensure they are resource-loaded and structured to facilitate accurate earned value calculations.
  • Prepare comprehensive charts, graphs, and presentations to communicate complex performance data and trends effectively to diverse audiences, from the project team to executive leadership.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all customer and government audits related to the EVMS, including DCMA surveillance reviews.
  • Facilitate the monthly business rhythm for project performance reporting, ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to answer specific business questions from project leadership and stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the organization's project controls processes, tools, and data strategy.
  • Collaborate with business units, finance, and engineering teams to translate project data needs into technical requirements for system enhancements.
  • Participate in sprint planning, retrospectives, and other agile ceremonies within the broader project management or data analytics team.
  • Mentor junior analysts and project staff on the principles and practical application of Earned Value Management.
  • Assist in the development of proposals by providing cost estimating and scheduling support for new business opportunities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • EVM Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of dedicated EVM tools such as Deltek Cobra, forProject EVMS, or similar platforms.
  • Scheduling Software: Strong proficiency in scheduling software like Oracle Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, including resource loading and baseline management.
  • Advanced Excel: Mastery of Microsoft Excel for data analysis, including pivot tables, complex formulas, Power Query, and financial modeling.
  • ANSI/EIA-748 Expertise: In-depth, practical knowledge of the 32 guidelines of the ANSI/EIA-748 standard for Earned Value Management Systems.
  • Data Visualization: Experience using tools like Tableau or Power BI to create insightful dashboards and reports that communicate project performance.
  • ERP Systems: Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and accounting systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Deltek Costpoint.
  • Database Querying: Basic to intermediate SQL skills for extracting and manipulating data from project databases is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Critical Thinking: Superior ability to dissect complex problems, interpret data trends, and draw logical, data-driven conclusions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, understanding that small errors in data can lead to significant misinterpretations.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial and schedule concepts clearly to non-experts.
  • Stakeholder Management: Adept at building relationships and influencing Control Account Managers, Project Managers, and customer representatives.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues, performing root cause analysis, and developing effective and practical solutions.
  • Resilience & Composure: Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (MBA, M.S. in Finance or Project Management)
  • Professional Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or EVP (Earned Value Professional).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Finance or Accounting
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Project Management
  • Data Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-8 years of progressive experience in project controls, program finance, or data analysis, with at least 3 years of direct, hands-on responsibility within an Earned Value Management (EVM) environment.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working on large-scale projects within the Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting (DoD, DoE), or large-scale construction industries.
  • Proven experience participating in or leading Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs) and supporting DCMA/DCAA audits.
  • Experience with the implementation or major overhaul of an Earned Value Management System (EVMS).
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