The Project Cost Controller is responsible for planning, monitoring, and controlling project costs, budgets and forecasts throughout the project lifecycle. This role ensures projects are delivered within approved budgets and timelines by providing accurate financial analysis, risk assessments, and performance insights to project management and senior leadership.
The Project Cost Controller acts as a key business partner to Project Managers, Cost Controller, Procurement team, and Finance, supporting informed decision-making and maintaining compliance and project governance standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Cost Management
- Maintain project budgets, cost control and cost reporting structures.
- Monitor project expenditures againts approved budgets and forecasts.
- Analyze cost variances and recommend corrective actions.
- Track commitments, actual costs, accruals, and cost to complete.
- Ensure all project costs are accurately recorded and allocated.
Planning & Scheduling
- Coordinate with project teams to establish baseline schedules.
- Monitor project progress against approved plans, milestone and potential delays.
- Support schedule recovery plans and mitigation strategies.
Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Prepare monthly cost forecasts and estimate at completion (EAC) reports.
- Conduct trend analysis and evaluate project financials.
- Support annual budgeting and financial planning exercises.
- Provide cash flow forecasting.
Project Reporting
- Prepare project cost, schedule, risk, and performance updates.
- Ensure reporting accuracy and compliance with company requirements.
Risk & Change Management
- Maintain project risk and opportunity registers.
- Evaluate financial and schedule impacts of project risks.
- Review and monitor change orders, variations, and claims.
- Support project teams in implementing mitigation measures.
Contract & Procurement Support
- Monitor contract values and commitments.
- Review purchase orders, contracts, and payment applications.
- Track subcontractor costs and variations.
- Support procurement activities through financial evaluation.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and project controls standards.
- Maintain project documentation and audit trails.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within project controls processes.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- 5-7 years of experience in project controls, cost control, project accounting, or project management.
- Experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure, energy, or related industries preferred.
- Proven experience managing project budgets and financial reporting for large scale project.
- Strong knowledge of project controls principles and methodologies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or similar platforms.
- Familiar with project scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project.
- Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.