This position in the NiSource Corporate Services Finance organization will be responsible for managing the Capital and Operation and Maintenance (OM) Expenditures, working with Supply Chain on managing Statements of Work, originating and updating the project resource plan, and providing information and reports to internal and external stakeholders for Large Financial Transformation Projects.Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Development of Project Budgets for Large IT Transformation Projects;

Preparation of actual to budget variances and determining impacts on Project forecast;

Determining the proper allocation of project budgets between OM and Capital;

Determining the proper allocation of project budgets between NiSource Business Units;

Providing cost management analysis, guidance and support to the Corporate Financial Planning Analysis team, Project Managers and Executives;

Administering rolling forecast updates and providing input into the annual long-range plan;

Producing and analyzing project performance metrics;

Managing Statements of Work, invoice processing and time reporting with various service providers;

Preparation of monthly project accruals for submission to Accounting.

Key Results:
Attainment of Project budget goals for both annual and multi-year projects.

Provide timely and accurate financial reports that meet the needs of Project Stakeholder Executives.

Identification of project expenditure variances and determining the impacts on project goals.

An accurate understanding of budgets, capital and OM expenses and account classification issues.

Ownership and accountability for project budgets. Effective and efficient interfaces with Business Unit Budget, Financial Planning and Corporate accounting functions.

Accurate and timely updates to forecasts and resource plans for Project Change Requests. Must adhere to strict project control methodologies.

Ensure project contractors on-boarded are covered by approved Statements of Work. Ensure Statements of Work are amended timely and accurately by collaborating with suppliers and NiSource Supply Chain representatives.

Essential Functions:
Form key strategic relationships with Project Managers and Executives.

Manage the Major IT Project expenditures process in conjunction with Project Managers including annual plans, multi-year plans, and periodic interim updates.

Develop an annual IT Project budget by individual project in compliance with enterprise financial goals.

Provide cost management analysis, guidance and reports to Project Managers at an individual project level.

Work closely with Corporate Accounting to provide accruals and variance analysis during monthly close process.

Timely and accurate monthly variance analysis.

Communicate frequently with Business Unit and Corporate Financial Planning teams regarding Project Expenditures issues as they affect operating company financial plans.

Provide leadership on special projects as required by Finance leadership.

Provide support on Project Expenditures issues to special project and regulatory teams.

Work closely with Supply Chain representatives on the creation and maintenance of Statements of Work with various third parties.

Requires B.A. or B.S. Degree (preferably business or finance major). MBA and or CPA preferred.

Requires education and/or verifiable experience with accounting, budgeting or finance. Must understand finance and accounting principles and practices.

Prefer experience with IT Project budgeting processes and principles.

Requires strong data management systems and software skills (e.g., Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Project). Prefer knowledge of computer systems and programs involved in budgeting and report preparation.

Requires strong analytical and problem solving skills.

Requires strong project management, planning and implementation skills.

Requires effective large group facilitation skills.

Requires strong skills in working collaboratively.

Prefer previous leadership experience.

For immediate consideration, please apply on-line at www.nisource.jobs on or before December 10th!

Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

NiSource companies are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers and do not discriminate in any employer/employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. NiSource companies require all employees to adhere strictly to this policy._______________________________________________________________________________By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities._______________________________________________________________________________