Cost Controller

Purpose of the position:

The Team Leader: Cost Controllers will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to a team of Cost Controllers across multiple projects. This role serves as the key interface between project teams, cost control personnel, and the finance department. The successful candidate will ensure consistent application of project controls standards, accuracy in financial reporting, and alignment of cost control activities with project objectives. This is a leadership position that demands a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, team development, and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in financial accounting / quantity surveying / BCom / BTech or other relevant Engineering or Business degree.
• 7–10 years of proven experience in cost control, project accounting, or engineering in a project-based environment, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in project controls, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working on an ERP system.
• Proficient in MS Office and advanced use of Excel
• Knowledge of New Engineering Contracts (NEC) will be an added advantage.

Required Outputs and Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Cost Controllers to ensure effective support across multiple projects.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of project budgets in collaboration with Project Managers.
• Support in and managing project resource planning.
• Monitoring that all commitments and payments relate to properly approved contracts, claims and variations following financial delegations and project governance structures.
• Review and approve financial submissions prepared by Cost Controllers, including project spend, commitments, and cash flow forecasts.
• Identification of potential issues/risks affecting the profitability of a project and timely communication thereof.
• Support in compiling, reviewing and reporting cash flow forecasts (revenue and cost) and driving invoicing and cost accounting in accordance with project schedule.
• Updating and maintaining Contract Registers and support in contract management with the input of the project managers
• Establish and uphold best practices in cost control methodologies and reporting standards.
• Guide the preparation of Steering Committee reports, variance analyses, and monthly project performance reviews.
• Participate in meetings with project team, clients and subcontractors to represent project controls and take minutes of meetings.
• Foster positive stakeholder relationships with clients, vendors, auditors, and internal departments.
• Continuous improvement/development of current cost control system and processes (automation alongside the IT department)
• Support contract management processes, contract register updates, and governance compliance
• Represent the cost control function in high-level meetings and ensure clear, accurate communication of financial insights.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent interaction skills (written and verbal communication skills)
• High sense of accountability, ownership, and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure
• Team player and ability to work collaboratively
• High degree of professional ethics - Demonstrate a strict practice of confidentiality, personal responsibility, and discretion
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving abilities
• Task orientated
• Accuracy – attention to detail
• Punctual - meeting deadlines
• High stress tolerance
• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary
• Driver’s License (will be required to travel between Secunda, Johannesburg and Vanderbijlpark offices.)