Cost Controller

Role Overview

The position supports the implementation and ongoing operation of cost management systems and processes, and works closely with senior cost controllers in providing accurate budgeting, cost forecasting, invoicing, and financial reporting services.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain cost management systems, processes, and procedures to ensure consistent project cost control, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and performance analysis.
• Manage project cost and progress reporting to deliver accurate, timely insights to the project management team, including identification of corrective actions required to maintain approved baseline targets.
• Support and mentor junior cost controllers within the team.
• Apply project Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to ensure alignment across systems, reporting, and cost tracking.
• Support contracting and procurement activities, including project contracts, purchase orders, and payment certificate reviews, and assist with system setup and maintenance.
• Review and verify invoices, establish month-end accruals with supporting documentation, and allocate costs to appropriate cost centres and WBS.
• Prepare and maintain cost-to-complete forecasts, highlighting risks and mitigation strategies to prevent cost overruns against approved budgets.
• Produce monthly cost reports and conduct variance analysis.
• Ensure change management processes are followed and accurately reflected in cost systems.
• Support quarterly capital planning activities.
• Apply earned value management (EVM) techniques to assess project progress, performance, and productivity, and provide data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Assess contractor progress claims and reconcile against budgets and contractual terms.
• Monitor and audit cost management systems to ensure alignment and accuracy, escalating significant discrepancies to management.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across project teams, stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Commerce, Finance, or a related discipline; and/or
• Experience in project controls or cost control, preferably within resources, construction, or infrastructure environments.
• Experience supporting cost reporting for small to mid-scale capital projects.
• Strong understanding of project controls principles, processes, and methodologies.
• Ability to clearly communicate with a broad range of project stakeholders.
• Experience using project cost control systems (e.g. PIMS or similar systems is advantageous).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

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.