Senior Specialist - Program Cost Controller

EDGE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

EDGE, headquartered in the UAE and Abu Dhabi-based, seeks a Program Cost Controller to monitor budgets, expenditures, accruals and forecasts for Maestral’s ISS SPP Program. The role provides cost analysis, scenario modelling and reporting to support decision-making within Finance and Program Management.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years in project cost control, with experience in a project-based or defense environment and collaboration with Procurement and Contract Management teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• ACCA, CIMA, CMA or CPA qualifications are advantageous.
• 5–8 years’ experience in project cost control, program finance, financial analysis or management accounting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the program budget and monitor expenditure against approved budget lines.
• Prepare and update cost forecasts, cost-to-complete estimates and projected final costs.
• Analyze variances between budget, expenditure and forecasts to identify root causes.
• Prepare cost reports for the Program Manager and Finance team.
• Coordinate with Procurement to monitor purchase orders and supplier commitments.
• Assess financial impact of program changes and reflect in budgets and forecasts.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses for pricing and schedule changes.
• Ensure cost information is reconciled and maintained per Finance policies.
• Identify cost overruns and funding gaps and escalate issues.

Skills

Cost control experience

Financial analysis

Program finance

Procurement collaboration

Contract management coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related

ACCA/CIMA/CMA/CPA qualifications

Job description

About Edge

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

About The Role

Support the effective financial management of Maestral’s ISS SPP Program by monitoring budgets, actual expenditure, purchase commitments, accruals and forecasts. The Program Cost Controller will provide accurate and timely cost information to the Program Manager and Finance team, identify variances and emerging cost pressures, and support program decision-making through financial analysis, cost reporting and scenario modelling.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the program budget and monitor actual expenditure, purchase commitments and accruals against approved budget lines and workstreams.
• Prepare and regularly update program cost forecasts, cost-to-complete estimates and projected final costs based on current delivery and procurement plans.
• Analyze variances between budget, actual expenditure, commitments and forecasts, identifying root causes and highlighting areas requiring corrective action.
• Prepare accurate and timely program cost reports for the Program Manager, Finance team and relevant governance meetings.
• Work with Procurement to monitor purchase-order values, supplier commitments and expenditure against approved budgets and ceiling values.
• Assess the financial impact of program changes, contractual variations and changes in scope, ensuring approved changes are reflected in budgets and forecasts.
• Develop financial models and scenario analysis to evaluate the cost implications of supplier pricing, schedule changes and program decisions.
• Ensure program cost information is appropriately supported, reconciled and maintained in accordance with Finance policies and approval requirements.
• Identify potential cost overruns, funding gaps and financial discrepancies and elevate material issues to the Program Manager and Finance leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Professional or part-professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, CMA or CPA would be advantageous.
• 5–8 years’ experience in project cost control, program finance, financial analysis or management accounting.
• Experience in a project-based, service-contract, engineering, maritime, MRO or defence environment is preferred.
• Experience working with Program Management, Procurement and Contract Management teams.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.