Senior Cost Controller - Pre-Operations

Kintec Recruitment Limited; Pantai; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global offshore energy contractor is seeking a Senior Cost Controller to manage costs for complex offshore projects in pre-operations. Based in Kuala Lumpur, this role involves cost planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk analysis, requiring extensive experience in the oil & gas sector and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' cost control experience in the oil & gas sector, or 12 years in other industries with oil & gas understanding.
• Prior experience in a senior or lead cost engineering position preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed cost control plans using internal tools and best industry practices.
• Establish cost breakdown structures and allocate budgets, resources, and other financial data accordingly.
• Monitor and update accurate forecasts using real-time project data and benchmark techniques.
• Track budget deviations and engage with budget owners to address potential overspend.
• Produce internal cost reports aligned with corporate standards.
• Review and verify subcontractor invoices, ensuring proper coding and allocation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Competing priorities management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Science, Business Management, or Operations Management

AACE certification (CCT or CCP)

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Senior Cost Controller - Pre-Operations

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Job Type: Permanent

Overview:

A global offshore energy contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller to support the cost management of complex offshore projects, particularly in the pre-operations phase. Based in Kuala Lumpur, this position plays a critical role in maintaining financial discipline across assigned scopes, ensuring budget integrity, and delivering accurate forecasting and variance analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Planning & Budgeting:

• Develop and maintain detailed cost control plans using internal tools and best industry practices
• Establish cost breakdown structures and allocate budgets, resources, and other financial data accordingly
• Monitor and update accurate forecasts using real-time project data and benchmark techniques
• Track budget deviations and proactively engage with budget owners to address potential overspend

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Consolidate, analyse, and report cost data for assigned project sections
• Produce internal cost reports aligned with corporate standards on a regular basis
• Reconcile internal cost control data with finance and accounting records
• Review and verify subcontractor invoices, ensuring proper coding and allocation
• Monitor change orders and potential variations, maintaining an accurate variation register

Risk & Analysis:

• Support project risk management by identifying cost risks and estimating their potential impact
• Perform cost risk analysis and advise on contingency reserves using industry best practices
• Support the evaluation of third-party changes that may affect cost baselines or forecasts

Coordination & Communication:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate cost data flows
• Interface with planners, engineers, and procurement teams to align on financial impacts
• Provide guidance to junior cost control staff where necessary
• Participate in project reviews and senior-level reporting when required

Candidate Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, Science, Business Management, or Operations Management
• AACE certification (CCT or CCP) is an advantage
• Minimum 8 years' cost control experience in the oil & gas sector
  • OR 12 years in other industries, with demonstrated understanding of oil & gas processes and FPSO projects
• Prior experience in a senior or lead cost engineering position preferred
• Proficiency with SAP (preferred) or other ERP systems
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities