Cost Controller

The Cost Controller will support maintenance and engineering teams by managing and tracking costs related to ongoing engineering, maintenance, and operational projects. This role is designed as a long‑term position with strong development potential, ideal for a mid‑level or early‑career professional who has exposure to engineering cost control and is eager to grow within an industrial environment.

This individual will work closely with engineers, planners, maintenance leadership, and project controls to ensure budgets are accurate, forecasts are maintained, and cost risks are identified early.

Key Responsibilities

• Track, monitor, and report costs associated with engineering and maintenance activities, including small capital projects and turnaround‑related work
• Develop and maintain cost reports, forecasts, and variance analyses
• Support budget development, cost estimating, and cash flow forecasting
• Monitor commitments, accruals, and actual spend against approved budgets
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to understand scope changes and cost impacts
• Assist with monthly cost close‑out activities and internal reporting
• Support change management and cost trend analysis
• Maintain cost control systems, spreadsheets, and databases
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to cost reporting and controls
• Interface with planners, schedulers, and project controls as needed

Required Qualifications

• 1–5 years of experience in cost control, preferably in an engineering, maintenance, industrial setting
• The Cost Controller will support maintenance and engineering teams by managing and tracking costs related to ongoing engineering, maintenance, and operational projects.
• This role is designed as a long‑term position with strong development potential, ideal for a mid‑level or early‑career professional who has exposure to engineering cost control and is eager to grow
• This individual will work closely with engineers, planners, maintenance leadership, and project controls to ensure budgets are accurate, forecasts are maintained, and cost risks are identified early.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a petrochemical , chemical plant, petrochemical, or heavy industrial environment
• Familiarity with cost control systems (SAP, Oracle, Maximo, or similar)
• Exposure to maintenance or operations cost tracking
• Engineering, finance, accounting, or related technical background
• Experience supporting multiple work orders or small projects simultaneously
• setting
• Exposure to engineering cost control (labor, materials, services, internal work orders, etc.) — not strictly construction cost tracking
• Basic understanding of budget development, forecasting, and cost reporting
• Proficiency with Excel and data analysis tools
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and trends
• Willingness to learn processes, systems, and standards

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.