Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Software And Training
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ernesto L Ramos

Friendswood,TX

Summary

Lead Project Controls Analyst with a strong history of success in cost tracking, financial reporting, and analysis for capital projects of all sizes. Demonstrates expertise in delivering precise, timely reports and ad-hoc analyses that enhance stakeholder decision-making. Proficient in navigating stage-gated asset development processes and internal work breakdown structures (WBS), ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Skilled in cost analysis, budget planning, and variance analysis, with a talent for creating comprehensive financial presentations and dashboards.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Project Controls Analyst

Southern Company Gas
Atlanta, GA
05.2021 - Current
  • Lead Analyst for the Project Controls Team, overseeing multi-million dollar capital projects including system reinforcement, pipeline, peaking, and underground storage initiatives.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, schedulers, and finance teams to deliver accurate and timely financial reporting and strategic guidance.
  • Spearheaded the development of a comprehensive project risk register and standardized forecasting template for the $223M Cumming to Hall County pipeline project (29 miles, 2 regulator stations).
  • Provided critical controls support for the $249M Cherokee LNG Expansion project, doubling supply capacity through the addition of a new liquefaction system, LNG tank, and enhanced power/vaporization infrastructure.
  • Managed financial controls and reporting for the West Chattanooga-Hamilton Expansion project, involving the installation of 5.7 miles of 8-inch steel pipeline to bolster gas supply to the Signal Mountain distribution systems.
  • Directed all capital project support for high-profile projects including Golden Pass Products LNG (GTS) and Central Valley Gas Storage 3L Well, ensuring robust financial oversight and alignment with project goals.
  • Led the entire monthly accrual process for the team, coordinating with Plant and Gas Corporate Accounting to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all posted accruals, streamlining financial reconciliation.

Project Controls Analyst - Contractor

Southern Company Gas
Atlanta, GA
02.2012 - 04.2021
  • Provided comprehensive project cost controls support for major capital projects, including underground gas storage, LNG, and other critical infrastructure initiatives.
  • Collaborated closely with project managers, stakeholders, and contractors from initial estimation through commissioning and close-out.
  • Provided critical controls support for Phase 2 construction of Golden Triangle Storage (GTS) salt dome caverns, a large-scale project featuring approximately 13 BCF of working gas capacity, 600 MMcf/day withdrawal, and 300 MMcf/day injection capacity.
  • Managed cost controls for the Trussville LNG Plant Purchase and Refurbishment (Phases 1-3) projects, overseeing an initial asset purchase of $3.2M and combined approved refurbishment funding of $18.27M.
  • Led cost controls support for the construction of a large-scale $115M JAX LNG facility in Jacksonville, FL, a joint venture with a projected liquefaction capacity of 120,000 gallons/day.
  • Spearheaded cost controls support for the planned $46M JAX LNG Expansion, designed to double the facility's size and liquefaction capacity (prior to company divestiture).
  • Served as the assigned analyst for the Golden Pass LNG project for GTS, providing initial capital funding requests, stage gate review preparation, and corporate review support.
  • Oversaw the creation and routing of Authorization for Expenditure (AFE) documents for the majority of small, medium, and large-scale projects across the organization, ensuring adherence to spend authority policies.
  • Prepared and submitted monthly budget-vs.-actual reviews for non-regulated areas to the FP&A team, contributing to financial oversight.
  • Assisted with monthly Supplier Diversity reporting, ensuring compliance and data accuracy.
  • Executed monthly/quarterly project costing queries for all Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) and Nicor.
  • Resolved outstanding invoices by running weekly match exception reports for open purchase orders, ensuring timely payments and accurate financial records.
  • Served as a designated tester for the ongoing conversion to Oracle/Enterprise Foundations, contributing to successful system implementation.
  • Provided cross-functional cost controls support to various internal areas, including Nicor, GTS, and CVGS.

Controller

Primoris Services Corp
Houston, TX
01.2010 - 12.2012
  • Promoted to lead all accounting and financial reporting functions for an oil and gas pipeline fabrication company and its subsidiaries.
  • Directly reported to the CFO, overseeing payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing departments.
  • Managed a team of 4 direct reports and directed the month-end close process, ensuring strict adherence to GAAP and internal controls.
  • Directed all aspects of financial reporting and analysis, preparing comprehensive monthly variance analyses to identify root causes for significant deviations and inform strategic decisions.
  • Managed the end-to-end payroll process for 300+ employees, serving as an authorized check signer and direct deposit approver, ensuring accurate and timely compensation.
  • Developed and maintained weekly cash forecasts, closely monitoring receivables, payables, and key performance indicators to optimize liquidity and financial planning.
  • Oversaw the operating and approval process for weekly production of over 100 Accounts Payable checks, streamlining vendor payments and maintaining financial accuracy.
  • Conducted monthly financial analysis of ongoing projects, accurately accruing revenue and costs using the percentage-of-completion method to reflect project profitability.

Sr. Accountant

Primoris Services Corp
Houston, TX
12.2008 - 09.2010
  • Coordinated the month-end close cycle, meticulously preparing and booking closing journal entries and conducting comprehensive account reconciliations.
  • Led the development of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial presentations for management review, providing critical insights.
  • Acted as the primary liaison to external auditors, preparing detailed lead sheets and schedules for monthly financial compilations and the preparation of annual audited financials, reporting directly to the Controller.
  • Managed the reconciliation of $10M+ in fixed assets, property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), including depreciation, acquisitions, retirements, and recording associated gains/losses.
  • Performed daily and monthly cash account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and proper cash flow management.
  • Reconciled materials inventory across multiple company locations, maintaining precise stock records.
  • Prepared and filed monthly sales and use tax reports for multiple states, ensuring compliance.
  • Conducted intercompany account reconciliations and prepared consolidated financial statements, supporting group-level reporting.

G/L Accountant/ Office Manager

Marine Medical (Houston), Inc
Dickinson, TX
01.2000 - 12.2008
  • Directed all accounting and operational functions for a medical supply and drug-testing company serving the crude oil tanker industry.
  • Managed payroll, benefits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory tracking, and fixed asset reconciliation.
  • Coordinated the entire month-end close process, including preparing journal entries and compiling comprehensive monthly financial reports for CEO review.
  • Designed and implemented an internal Microsoft Access database to strategically track inventory and ship movements.
  • Processed bi-weekly payroll for all departments, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for employees, and filed all quarterly and annual payroll liability reports with state and federal agencies.
  • Conducted monthly bank reconciliations, prepared closing entries, and generated comprehensive financial statements for executive review.
  • Performed meticulous reconciliation of medical inventory and all balance sheet accounts, including prepaid expenses, current and fixed assets, and accrued liabilities, ensuring data accuracy.
  • Collaborated closely with external CPAs to facilitate the preparation of annual corporate tax returns, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Accounting

East Texas A&M University
Commerce, TX
01.2011

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Management

University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, TX
01.1999

Skills

  • Budget & Cost Controls
  • Forecasting
  • EPC Contracts
  • Reporting & Documentation
  • Variance Analysis
  • Estimating
  • Change Management
  • Risk Management
  • Project Planning/Execution
  • General Ledger Accounting

Software And Training

Oracle Cloud ERP, PeopleSoft ERP, PowerPlan, MS Office (Advanced Excel), SharePoint (Admin, Workflows, Change Management Sites), OTBI, OACS, Power BI, SmartView, Enterprise Foundations (Oracle Reporting Power User), Hyperion Budgeting (some experience), Stage Gate Stage Asset Development Process (ADP), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Lead Project Controls Analyst

Southern Company Gas
05.2021 - Current

Project Controls Analyst - Contractor

Southern Company Gas
02.2012 - 04.2021

Controller

Primoris Services Corp
01.2010 - 12.2012

Sr. Accountant

Primoris Services Corp
12.2008 - 09.2010

G/L Accountant/ Office Manager

Marine Medical (Houston), Inc
01.2000 - 12.2008

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Accounting

East Texas A&M University

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - Management

University of Houston-Clear Lake