Cost Controller

Hitachi Energy; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Cost Controller to support financial planning, cost management, forecasting and performance analysis across project and operational activities.

You will partner with project managers and finance stakeholders to ensure cost control, transparency, and efficient resource use, leading budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and ongoing process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in cost controlling, management accounting, FP&A or similar functions.
• Strong costing, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis experience.
• Hands-on SAP experience required; SAP S/4HANA preferred.
• Experience in multinational or matrix organisations is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain cost control processes and governance.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts and cost estimates for projects and operations.
• Monitor actuals vs budgets, analyze variances and provide insights.
• Analyze project and labor costs and optimize resource allocation.
• Collaborate with project managers and finance stakeholders for cost efficiency.
• Support month-end/year-end closing for cost reporting.
• Review cost allocations and ensure alignment with policies and controls.
• Drive continuous cost-management improvements and reporting tools.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Variance analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration

Tools

SAP

SAP S/4HANA

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

At Hitachi Energy, our purpose is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are looking for a Cost Controller to support financial planning, cost management, forecasting, and performance analysis across our project and operational activities.

In this role, you will partner closely with project managers, business leaders, and finance stakeholders to ensure accurate cost control, financial transparency, and effective resource utilization. You will play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective cost control processes and financial governance measures.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and cost estimates for projects and operational activities.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts, identify variances, and provide meaningful financial analysis and recommendations.
• Analyze project and operational costs, with particular focus on resource and labour-related expenditures.
• Partner with project managers and business leaders to improve cost efficiency and optimize resource allocation.
• Conduct regular financial and cost performance reviews and support decision-making with data-driven insights.
• Prepare and maintain cost rate structures across countries and support quarterly reviews.
• Participate in month-end and year-end closing activities related to cost reporting and management accounting.
• Review cost allocations and ensure costs are accurately assigned and reported.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions in line with budget controls and company policies.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, accounting standards, and corporate requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to cost management tools, reporting, and processes.

Your Background

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Cost Controlling, Management Accounting, Financial Analysis, FP&A, or similar finance functions.
• Strong experience in costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Hands-on experience using SAP is required; SAP S/4HANA experience is highly preferred.
• Experience supporting project-based, engineering, consulting, professional services, or other labour-intensive businesses is highly desirable.
• Experience within multinational or matrix organizations is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of management accounting principles and cost control methodologies.
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience managing and analysing costs in project-driven or service-oriented environments where labour and resource costs form a significant component of the cost base. Experience solely within manufacturing environments may be considered if accompanied by strong transferable cost control and financial analysis experience.

More About Us

At Hitachi Energy, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Join us and be part of a global team that is shaping the future of sustainable energy while advancing your own career development in a diverse and inclusive environment.