COST CONTROLLER (SENIOR)

Africa Personnel Services, on behalf of its client, is looking for a Cost Controller (Senior) in the oil and gas industry. The Senior Cost Controller is a high-level financial specialist responsible for managing, analyzing, and reporting on all costs associated with a large-scale project, portfolio of projects, or an entire business unit. The role ensures that project expenditures are accurately tracked, variances are identified early, and that the project stays within its approved budget. This role requires a deep understanding of project management principles, accounting standards, and the operational activities of the organization.

⚓Core Responsibilities

1. Cost Analysis and Reporting

• Budget Management: Establish and maintain the comprehensive project budget (WBS - Work Breakdown Structure), tracking expenditures against cost estimates and funding allocations.
• Variance Analysis: Perform detailed variance analysis, identifying and investigating significant differences between budgeted, committed, and actual costs.
• Forecasting (EAC/ETC): Develop accurate Estimate At Completion (EAC) and Estimate To Complete (ETC) forecasts, identifying potential cost overruns and mitigation strategies for senior management.
• Commitment Tracking: Manage and control the commitment ledger, ensuring all purchase orders (POs), contracts, and change orders are accurately captured and categorized.

1. Project Controls System Management

• System Integrity: Ensure the integrity and functionality of the project's Cost Management System (often integrated with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle).
• Process Governance: Develop, standardize, and enforce rigorous cost control procedures, coding structures, and reporting formats across the entire project team and contractors.
• Interface Management: Act as the primary interface between the Project Controls team, Finance/Accounting, and Procurement to ensure alignment on cost classification and reporting.

1. Change Management and Risk

• Change Control: Manage the cost impact of change requests and variations, ensuring all changes are fully costed, approved, and integrated into the project's baseline budget and forecast before execution.
• Contingency Management: Monitor and control the project's contingency budget, advising the Project Manager on the drawdown and re-establishment of contingency funds.
• Risk Assessment: Collaborate with the Risk team to quantify the financial impact of identified project risks and ensure appropriate cost allowances are included in the forecasts.

1. Leadership and Mentoring

• Team Leadership: Potentially supervise and mentor Junior Cost Controllers and support staff, ensuring the team delivers timely and accurate cost data.
• Audit Support: Prepare documentation and lead cost discussions during internal and external financial audits.

Experience and Education

• Experience:  5+ years of progressive experience in cost control or project controls, with a significant portion dedicated to large Oil and Gas, Mining, Petrochemical, or Major EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• Professional Certification: Certification from AACE International (e.g., CCC/CCE - Certified Cost Consultant/Engineer) is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Advanced ERP Skills: Expert proficiency in an industry-standard ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and specialized cost management software.
• Data Analysis: Superior Microsoft Excel skills for data manipulation, modeling, and detailed analysis (Pivot Tables, complex formulas).
• Deep Project Understanding: Strong grasp of the full project lifecycle in the Oil and Gas sector, from concept and FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) through execution and close-out.
• Contract Knowledge: Practical understanding of various contract types (e.g., Lump Sum, Reimbursable, Unit Rate) and how they impact cost control and reporting.

Must be a Namibian Citizen