Senior Project Cost Controller

Synerlitz; Gombak; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Malaysia is seeking a dedicated Project Cost Controller to monitor, analyze, and control project costs. Responsibilities include budgeting, cost monitoring, procurement coordination, and ensuring compliance with financial standards. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying or Engineering, and have a strong understanding of construction budgeting and cost control software. A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience is required.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of construction budgeting, VO processes, contracts, and project financial management.
• Proficient in MS Excel and cost control software.
• Minimum of 3–5 years experience in project cost control.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily/weekly/monthly project expenditures.
• Prepare monthly cost reports showing planned vs. actual costs.
• Coordinate with procurement for pricing accuracy and vendor compliance.

Skills

Construction budgeting

Cost control software

MS Excel

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

The Project Cost Controller is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and controlling project costs to ensure the project remains within budget and profitability targets. The role supports project teams with cost reporting, forecasting, variation tracking, and financial controls in compliance with company policies and Malaysian construction industry standards.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Cost Planning & Budgeting

Assist in developing detailed project budgets during tender and project kick-off stage.

Prepare cost breakdown structure (CBS) aligned with BOQ, contract scope, and work packages.

Ensure all budget allocations reflect accurate material, labour, subcontractor, equipment, and overhead costs.

Upload and maintain approved budgets in the company’s costing system.

2. Cost Monitoring & Control

Track daily/weekly/monthly project expenditures including materials, labour, machinery, and subcontractors.

Monitor cost performance against budget and highlight variances early to the Project Manager.

Verify site purchase requisitions (PR) and ensure alignment with budget and project scope.

Monitor and track change orders, variations (VO), and additional work requests.

Review and validate subcontractor claims, progress claims, and payment certificates.

Prepare monthly cost reports showing planned vs actual cost, committed cost, and cost-to-complete (CTC).

Update cost forecasts based on site progress, variations, procurement status, and risk items.

Provide early warning reports on cost overruns, potential savings, and financial implications.

Report project gross margin, cash flow impact, and budget status to management.

4. Procurement & Contract Coordination

Coordinate with Procurement to ensure pricing accuracy, PO issuance, and vendor compliance with cost targets.

Support Commercial team in contract administration and verification of contract deliverables.

Coordinate with finance department on all cost-related documents including PO, DO, invoices, PR, subcontracts, and VO records.

5. Variation Order (VO) Management

Track, document, and compile all VO-related costs including site instructions and additional scope items.

Work with QS/Commercial teams to validate VO costings and submissions to clients.

Ensure VO approval status is reflected accurately in cost reports and forecasts.

6. Project Progress & Site Coordination

Work closely with Project Managers, Site Engineers, QS, and Planners to gather real-time project data.

Conduct periodic site visits to verify progress, material usage, equipment utilization, and manpower deployment.

Support project meetings with cost updates, risk items, and financial status.

7. Compliance, Audit & Documentation

Ensure cost controls adhere to internal policies, ISO requirements, and audit standards.

Prepare supporting documents for internal/external audits.

Maintain proper cost documentation for traceability and reporting integrity.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or related field.

Qualities

• Strong understanding of construction budgeting, VO processes, contracts, and project financial management.
• Proficient in MS Excel, cost control software, and project management tools.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work closely with multi-disciplinary teams (Project, QS, Procurement, Finance).
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to detect cost risks early.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years experience in project cost control within construction, engineering, or EPCC environments.