Cost Controller

First Recruitment Group; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Group in Aberdeen is seeking a Cost Controller to provide cost control support, maintain up-to-date cost tracking data, and deliver regular cost reporting updates for designated budget holders.

The role interfaces between Operations and Finance, ensuring accurate budgeting, forecasts, and adherence to company policies and contractual commitments in the Oil & Gas sector.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Experience in upstream Oil & Gas, energy, or related process industries.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, including forecasting, VOWD, and EAC.

Responsibilities

• Provide cost control support and maintain accurate cost tracking data.
• Deliver regular cost reporting updates and budgets/forecasts for budget holders.
• Support P2P processes and liaise with Supply Chain and Finance on cost queries.
• Prepare variance analysis, trend reports, and cost performance insights.
• Collaborate with budget owners, contract owners, accountants and operations.

Skills

Cost management

Forecasting

Data analysis

Excel

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Financial systems

Job description

Location: Aberdeen

Duration: 12 Mont Contract

IR25: Inside (PAYE)

Industry: Oil & Gas

Purpose of the Role

Provide cost control support to the assigned function. Maintain accurate cost tracking data, deliver regular cost reporting updates, and administer detailed budgets and forecasts for designated budget holders. Act as a key interface between Operations and Finance to ensure accurate cost information, effective budgeting activities, and adherence to company policies, procedures, and contractual commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all activities are carried out safely and in compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and company HSE procedures.
• Conduct monthly cost reviews with budget holders.
• Support the preparation of business plans, forecasts, and Value of Work Done (VOWD) reporting.
• Track commitments, purchase orders, and invoices against approved activities and budgets.
• Support the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process as required.
• Liaise with Supply Chain and Finance teams to resolve invoice and cost-related queries.
• Provide information to support cost allocation cycles and financial reporting requirements.
• Prepare variance analysis, trend reports, and cost performance insights.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders including budget owners, contract owners, accountants, and operational teams.
• Perform reconciliations and detailed cost investigations where required.
• Support master data management and reporting structure maintenance.
• Produce ad hoc cost analysis and management reports/presentations as needed.
• Participate in emergency response arrangements where required by the role.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Degree qualified or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Experience within the upstream Oil & Gas, Energy, or related process industries.
• Strong understanding of cost management principles, including forecasting, Value of Work Done (VOWD), and estimate-to-complete methodologies.
• Knowledge of contracts, procurement, and commercial processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience using financial and cost management systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Customer-focused approach with a strong commitment to service delivery.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive tasks through to completion.
• Professional, reliable, and proactive approach to work.
• Understanding of health, safety, environmental, and quality management systems.

Desirable Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• Experience supporting operational or project-based cost management activities.
• Ability to identify cost trends, risks, and opportunities, providing meaningful recommendations to stakeholders.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive approach to process enhancement.