Port Cost Controller

The Msc; Southall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime company in the UK is seeking a Port Cost Controller to oversee financial management of port-related expenses. This role involves closely monitoring and analyzing port costs, ensuring budget adherence, and collaborating with global finance teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong financial background, excellent analytical skills, and experience in the maritime industry. This is a hands-on position that requires proactive engagement across various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in cost control, financial analysis, or controlling roles.
• Proven ability in data crunching and financial modeling.
• Experience in the cruise/maritime industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control expenses related to port charges.
• Track costs and prepare variance analysis.
• Build and maintain dashboards for port charges.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data crunching

Attention to detail

Financial modeling

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration

Tools

Excel

SAP

Job description

We are seeking a Port Cost Controller to support the financial oversight, cost control and optimisation of port-related expenses within our local entity, while working in close collaboration with our global headquarters (HQ). This role serves as a key financial liaison, responsible for ensuring that all port-related costs - including port agency fees, pilotage, towage, berthing, terminal handling, waste disposal and other port services - are accurately tracked, analyzed and reported in alignment with corporate financial objectives and governance standards. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical and data-crunching capabilities, high attention to detail and the ability to partner effectively across finance, operations and port operations teams both locally and internationally. This is a hands‑on role with end‑to‑end responsibility for budgeting, forecasting, accruals, performance monitoring and cost optimisation of port charges. Your Impact Cost Control & Financial Oversight

Financial Control Responsibilities

• Monitors and controls expenses related to port charges across all destinations (e.g., pilotage, towage, berthing, terminal handling, agency fees, waste disposal).
• Tracks costs across categories such as port authorities, local vendors, service providers and overhead allocations.
• Supports month‑end close activities and prepares variance analysis for port cost centres.
• Prepares and maintains budgets and forecasts in partnership with port operations and global finance stakeholders.
• Reconciles actuals vs. budget/forecast and performs detailed variance analysis, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Maintains a clear cost attribution model to ensure transparency and accountability across itineraries, ships, and ports.

Business Partnering & Collaboration

• Acts as finance partner for Port Operations teams, collaborating with HQ Finance, Marine Operations, Itinerary Planning and Procurement.
• Provides financial guidance and insights to help port and operations leaders manage their cost structures and make data‑driven decisions.
• Ensures alignment of cost allocation methodologies, reporting standards, and planning timelines with global finance processes.

Reporting & Data Integrity

• Builds, maintains and improves dashboards and reporting tools that offer clear, real‑time visibility into port charges, cost trends, KPIs and benchmarks.
• Serves as the go‑to analyst for data crunching, working with large, complex datasets to extract insights, identify inefficiencies and support business cases or ad‑hoc requests.
• Supports improvements in financial systems, automation and data governance to enhance reporting quality, speed and transparency.
• Champions data integrity, cost accuracy and strong internal controls across all financial outputs.

Risk & Efficiency Management

• Identifies cost optimization opportunities across port operations and supports their execution at the local level.
• Conducts scenario analysis, business case evaluations and cost restructuring assessments (e.g., port selection, service provider negotiations).
• Ensures adherence to corporate policies, internal controls and accounting standards.

Your Journey so far

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in cost control, financial analysis or controlling roles, preferably in cruise/maritime industry.
• Proven ability in data crunching, financial modelling and working with large datasets across multiple systems.
• Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and financial reporting tools.
• Strong financial and analytical background, with a focus on cost control, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Self‑driven, proactive, and organized, capable of managing multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Your Essentials