Cost Controller

Hitachi, Ltd.; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Malaysia is seeking a Cost Controller to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management across project and operational activities. You will partner with project managers and finance stakeholders to ensure accurate cost control, financial transparency, and optimal resource use.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting and at least 3 years of cost controlling or FP&A experience, with strong Excel skills and SAP/SAP S/4HANA proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or related field.
• 3+ years in cost controlling, management accounting, FP&A.
• Proficient costing, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis.
• SAP experience required; SAP S/4HANA preferred.
• Experience in multinational/matrix organizations advantageous.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain cost control processes and governance measures.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and cost estimates for projects and operations.
• Monitor actual performance vs budgets and forecasts; analyze variances and provide insights.
• Analyze project and operational costs focusing on labor and resources.
• Collaborate with managers to improve cost efficiency and resource allocation.
• Support month-end and year-end closing related to cost reporting.
• Review cost allocations for accurate reporting and alignment with policies.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions within budget controls.

Skills

Cost control

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Advanced Excel

SAP

SAP S/4HANA

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Tools

SAP

SAP S/4HANA

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.