Air Force AFSC · Support
65WX Cost Analysis Officer
Overview
Cost Analysis Officers plan, organize, and evaluate cost analysis programs that inform decisions supporting daily operations. They analyze information and weapons systems, force structures, and research and technology programs to help optimize Air Force costs.
Core Skills
- Cost analysis and cost estimating
- Financial modeling and forecasting
- Budget formulation and execution support
- Data analysis and visualization
- Business case development
- Lifecycle cost analysis for systems and programs
- Risk analysis and sensitivity analysis
- Requirements analysis and trade-off studies
- Briefing and presenting to senior leadership
- Technical writing and report development
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
Civilian Career Paths
- Finance and Accounting
- Administration
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Career Growth
- Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
What the Work Involves
- Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
- Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
- Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Related Occupations
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Logistics Engineers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Construction Managers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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