Cost Controller

Mama Shelter Dubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Mama Shelter Dubai is seeking a Cost Controller to keep costs in check and support smart decision-making across the hotel’s operations. You’ll analyze daily, weekly, and monthly costs, track COGS, inventory and labour, and collaborate with Finance, Procurement, and Operations to optimize profitability while maintaining guest experience.

You’ll drive budgeting, forecasting and cost planning, prepare variance reports for management, and pursue cost-saving initiatives with a pragmatic,

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Cost Control, Accounting, or a similar role in hospitality.
• Strong cost control principles, accounting procedures, budgeting and reporting.
• Sharp eye for discrepancies and reliable financial information.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable with financial systems.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends and make practical recommendations.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Clear communication with Finance, Procurement, Operations and others.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly operating costs to stay on budget.
• Maintain cost records for COGS, inventory, labour, and other expenses.
• Audit cost reports to identify discrepancies and opportunities to improve.
• Monitor inventory levels and prevent overstocking and stockouts.
• Review purchase orders, invoices, and contracts for accuracy and terms.
• Collaborate with Finance, Procurement and Operations to optimize costs.
• Prepare cost performance and variance reports for management.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting and cost planning.
• Analyze overtime, staffing levels and productivity for staffing decisions.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives to improve profitability without sacrificing quality.

Skills

Cost control

Accounting

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication

Tools

Excel

Finance systems

Job description

Job Description

Company Description

Founded in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin (co-founders of Club Med), Mama Shelter is a creator of living spaces and a daily director!

These are atypical places, where everyone feels at home, places born of a blend of influences, freedoms, sensations and emotions. Each Mama tells the story of the city in which it is located, and all influences blend together. We offer our guests a joyful atmosphere and exceptional service at an affordable price.

More than just rooms and restaurants, Mama Shelter is a dynamic, a vibe: they are true urban refuges, not only aesthetically pleasing and modern but also popular, welcoming and sexy.

Whatever your role, we're all here to make the customer experience as unforgettable as possible.

Our mission: to bring little moments of happiness to people.

Our growth has enabled us to offer our teams great career paths through internal development and international mobility, and it's not a question of diplomas or years of experience.

Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hotel group rooted in cultures and destinations, with a global portfolio of brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, founded in 2021.

Job Description

At Mama Dubai, numbers are not just numbers. They tell us where we’re winning, where we’re overspending, and where we can do better. We’re looking for a Cost Controller to keep our costs in check while helping the Gang make smart, efficient business decisions.

The Mission

• Keep Mama on Budget: Monitor and analyse daily, weekly, and monthly operational costs to make sure Mama stays on track with approved budgets.
• Numbers, Numbers, Numbers: Maintain accurate cost records covering COGS, inventory, labour costs, and other operational expenses.
• Spot the Difference: Review cost reports and conduct regular audits to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve.
• Inventory Under Control: Monitor stock levels, track inventory accurately, and help prevent overstocking, stockouts, and unnecessary costs.
• Follow the Money: Review purchase orders, invoices, and contracts to ensure expenses are accurately recorded and aligned with agreed terms.
• Work Across the Gang: Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, Operations, and other departments to support cost-effective operations and smart resource allocation.
• Make Numbers Talk: Prepare regular cost performance and variance reports for management, highlighting key trends, concerns, and areas requiring attention.
• Budget Like a Boss: Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and cost planning while helping departments stay aligned with financial targets.
• Watch the Labour Costs: Analyse overtime, staffing levels, shift patterns, and productivity to support efficient workforce planning.
• Find the Savings: Identify and support cost-saving initiatives that improve profitability without compromising quality, efficiency, or the guest experience.
• Partner with Procurement: Work with the Procurement team to ensure goods and services are sourced at competitive prices and supplier terms are followed.
• Keep It Compliant: Ensure cost control processes and reporting follow Mama's policies, procedures, and applicable accounting standards.
• One Team, One Mama: Support the Finance team with financial reporting and work closely with colleagues across the hotel to keep Mama's numbers healthy and happy.

Qualifications

• You have 3–5 years of experience in Cost Control, Accounting, or a similar role, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• You have a strong understanding of cost control principles, accounting procedures, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• You have a sharp eye for discrepancies and take pride in keeping financial information accurate and reliable.
• You're highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with financial and accounting systems.
• You can analyse financial data, identify trends, and turn your findings into practical recommendations.
• You can manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and keep your cool when things get busy.
• You communicate clearly and enjoy working with Finance, Procurement, Operations, and the wider Gang.
• You don't just report the numbers; you look for ways to improve processes, control costs, and make things work smarter.
• You understand that great cost control is about finding the right balance between financial performance and the Mama experience.

Additional Information

• You’re reliable and consistent: When you say you’ll deliver, you always follow through.
• You’re a people person: Guests and teammates love your positive, approachable vibe.
• You build connections: You take time to know your guests, creating lasting impressions.
• You light up the room: Your energy lifts everyone around you, making work a joy.
• You’re all about the team: From supporting your colleagues to creating a family-like atmosphere, you make it happen.