Senior Cost Controller

KBR Engineering Inc; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR Engineering Inc in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior Cost Controller to oversee project cost management across MEGA EPC programs, ensuring robust budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting throughout the project life cycle.

You will support project teams and senior leadership with accurate financial analysis, cost risk identification, and strategies to optimize profitability, while coordinating with commercial and engineering stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• Professional certifications such as CCP, PMP, CMA, CPA, MRICS, or equivalent are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cost planning, budgeting, and baseline establishment for projects.
• Monitor expenditures, track variances, and ensure budget adherence.
• Develop EAC/ETC reports and support cash flow projections.
• Coordinate with commercial and project teams on cost implications of changes.
• Provide cost risk assessments and mitigation recommendations.

Skills

Cost control

Budget management

Forecasting

Earned value management

Cash flow

Excel advanced

Power BI

Contract administration

Claims management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related discipline

Tools

Primavera P6

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

Title:

Senior Cost Controller

KBR is looking for Senior Cost Controller with experience in MEGA EPC projects to be based in Abu Dhabi for PMC project.

Job Summary

The Senior Cost Controller is responsible for overseeing project cost management activities, ensuring effective budget control, cost forecasting, financial reporting, and performance monitoring throughout the project lifecycle. The role supports project management and senior leadership by providing accurate financial analysis, identifying cost risks, and implementing strategies to optimize project profitability and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Planning & Budget Management

• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets and cost baselines.
• Establish cost control procedures and ensure compliance across projects.
• Review project estimates, budgets, and cost breakdown structures.
• Monitor commits, expenditures, and budget utilization.
• Ensure project costs remain within approved budgets.

Cost Monitoring & Analysis

• Track actual project costs against budgets and forecasts.
• Analyze cost variances and identify root causes.
• Prepare detailed cost performance reports and dashboards.
• Conduct trend analysis and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Support Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis.

Forecasting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Develop Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) reports.
• Provide financial insights to project teams and senior management.
• Monitor project profitability and margin performance.
• Support project closeout and final cost reporting activities.

Contract & Change Management

• Monitor contractual costs, variations, and claims.
• Evaluate the financial impact of change orders and scope changes.
• Coordinate with commercial and project teams regarding claims and variations.
• Support dispute resolution with cost-related analysis and documentation.

Risk Management

• Identify and assess cost-related risks and opportunities.
• Develop mitigation strategies to address budget overruns.
• Maintain cost risk registers and contingency plans.
• Support project risk reviews and forecasting exercises.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Work closely with Project Managers, Finance Teams, Procurement, and Engineering departments.
• Provide management with timely and accurate cost information.
• Participate in project review meetings and management presentations.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and consultants regarding commercial matters.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to company financial policies and project procedures.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Maintain accurate project cost records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Accounting, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CCP (Certified Cost Professional), PMP, CMA, CPA, MRICS, or equivalent are preferred.

Experience

• 15 years of experience in cost control, project controls, commercial management, or project finance.
• Experience in EPC, Oil & Gas, Construction, Infrastructure, Energy, Utilities, or Industrial projects preferred.
• Proven experience managing project budgets ranging from medium to large-scale projects.

Technical Skills

• Cost Control & Budget Management
• Cost Forecasting & Financial Analysis
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Cash Flow Management
• Primavera P6
• SAP, Oracle ERP, or similar financial systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Power BI and Reporting Tools
• Contract Administration
• Claims & Variation Management

Key Competencies

• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team coordination abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities