Project Finance Lead(12 Month Contract)

Terracotta Outsourcing; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracotta Outsourcing in Abu Dhabi is hiring a Project Cost & Budgeting Controller for a 12-month contract. The role supports cost control, budgeting, accruals, and contract financial management across a portfolio of 25–30 projects.

The ideal candidate brings 4–8 years of experience in project cost control, ROI forecasting, and financial reporting, with strong Excel and ERP skills (SAP/Oracle). UAE-based availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or related field.
• 4–8 years of relevant experience in project cost control, project finance, budgeting or cost management.
• Stronghands-on experience with budgets, cost tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with accrual accounting and financial close activities.
• Experience managing contracts, contractor invoices and payments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP/Oracle).

Responsibilities

• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets, forecasts and commitments.
• Track actual spend, outstanding commitments, liabilities, and forecast costs across multiple projects.
• Maintain project cost trackers and provide bi-weekly cost and budget reporting.
• Analyse budget variances and identify potential cost overruns.
• Prepare and maintain monthly accrual schedules; reconcile accrual balances.
• Review invoices against contracts and coordinate with Accounts Payable for timely payment.
• Support month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial close activities.

Skills

Project cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Stakeholder management

Financial reporting

Microsoft Excel

Contract financial management

Project accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP system

Job description

At Terracotta – Driving Business Growth in Recruitment, Outsourcing & Corporate Services

We are a leading outsourcing company in the UAE, delivering recruitment, manpower, visa outsourcing, EOR/PEO, business setup, PRO services, and corporate solutions across the region.

We are currently hiring an experienced Project Cost & Budgeting Controller to support one of our key clients within the power and utilities sector in Abu Dhabi on a 12-month contract.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in project cost control, budgeting, accruals, contract financial management, invoicing, and project cost reporting. This is a hands-on role supporting the financial control of a portfolio of approximately 25–30 projects, working closely with Finance, Project Management, Procurement, Accounts Payable, contractors, and suppliers.

Position: Project Cost & Budgeting Controller

Employment: 12-Month Contract

Key Responsibilities

Project Cost Control & Budgeting

• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets, forecasts, and commitments
• Track actual spend, outstanding commitments, liabilities, and forecast costs across multiple projects
• Maintain project cost trackers and provide bi-weekly cost and budget reporting
• Analyse budget variances and identify potential cost overruns
• Support project forecasting and maintain visibility over upcoming financial commitments

Accruals & Financial Control

• Prepare and maintain monthly accrual schedules across project contracts and suppliers
• Work with Project Managers and contract owners to identify costs incurred but not yet invoiced
• Reconcile accrual balances against subsequent invoices and payments
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close activities
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of project-related costs

Contracts, Invoicing & Payments

• Maintain financial oversight of project contracts, including contract values, amendments, commitments, milestones, and outstanding obligations
• Monitor activities and deliverables against contractual and budget requirements
• Review contractor and supplier invoices against contracts, purchase orders, and approved deliverables
• Coordinate with Accounts Payable to ensure invoices are processed and paid on time
• Track outstanding invoices and support the resolution of payment-related issues
• Monitor upcoming payment obligations to support project cash-flow planning

Procurement & Stakeholder Support

• Support purchase requisitions, purchase orders, tender evaluations, and other procurement activities
• Ensure procurement commitments remain aligned with approved project budgets
• Work closely with Finance, Project Management, Procurement, contractors, and suppliers
• Maintain accurate financial, procurement, and contractual documentation for audit and compliance purposes

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• Approximately 4–8 years of relevant experience in project cost control, project finance, project accounting, budgeting, procurement finance, or cost management
• Strong hands-on experience with project budgets, cost tracking, commitments, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Practical experience with accrual accounting and financial close activities
• Experience managing contracts, contractor invoices, payment tracking, and financial obligations
• Strong Microsoft Excel and analytical skills
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, or a similar ERP system is preferred
• Experience within power, utilities, energy, EPC, infrastructure, engineering, or construction is desirable; candidates from other project-intensive industries will also be considered
• Demonstrated ability to manage the financial control of multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and organizational skills
• Currently based in the UAE with immediate or short-notice availability preferred