Regional Cost Controller

Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is seeking a Regional Cost Controller based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to drive cost transparency, financial discipline, and efficiency across the MEA region. You will monitor costs, analyze variances, and partner with country finance teams to improve profitability and performance.

The role involves budgeting, forecasting, and preparing regional cost dashboards for leadership reviews, with a focus on cost optimization and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline.
• 5–8 years experience in Cost Control, Financial Analysis, FP&A, or Regional Finance roles.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost accounting, and financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and control regional operating, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and admin costs across MEA.
• Collect, consolidate, and validate monthly cost data from country finance teams.
• Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.
• Prepare regional cost performance dashboards and presentations for management reviews.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and planning activities related to regional cost structures.
• Assist in compliance, governance, and audit processes for cost management.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Cost accounting

Stakeholder management

Regional/multi-country experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you're fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.

At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities. "Driving Connectivity" and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future‑ready shipping line.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.

We are seeking a Regional Cost Controller based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to drive cost transparency, financial discipline, and operational efficiency across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The successful candidate will play a key role in monitoring and analyzing operational costs, supporting strategic decision‑making, strengthening financial controls, and partnering with country finance teams and business leaders to enhance profitability and performance across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control & Performance Analysis

• Monitor, analyze, and control operational, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and administrative costs across all countries within the region.
• Collect, consolidate, and validate monthly cost data from country finance teams.
• Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior‑year performance.
• Investigate significant cost fluctuations and identify root causes, risks, and opportunities.
• Review and challenge cost assumptions, explanations, and analyses submitted by country teams to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Drive regional benchmarking initiatives to identify cost optimization opportunities and best practices.
• Monitor cost‑saving initiatives and track savings achieved against objectives.
• Prepare regional cost performance dashboards, reports, and presentations for management and leadership reviews.
• Partner with stakeholders to develop corrective action plans and improve cost efficiency.

Financial Reporting & Business Analysis

• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of cost‑related financial information across agencies.
• Analyze financial performance and provide insights on operational and logistics cost trends.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and planning activities related to regional cost structures.
• Identify risks and opportunities and provide recommendations to support business decisions.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and reports to support strategic and operational initiatives.
• Support regional management reviews through comprehensive cost and performance reporting.

Accounting Operations & Financial Controls

• Prepare and review journal entries in compliance with accounting policies and reporting requirements.
• Perform account reconciliations and support month‑end and year‑end closing activities.
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment of operating expenses and cost allocations.
• Support compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and internal procedures.
• Participate in reporting process improvements and system enhancement initiatives.
• Contribute to the standardization of regional cost reporting methodologies and practices.

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Support adherence to financial policies, governance requirements, and internal control frameworks.
• Maintain proper documentation and audit trails for cost analyses, financial reporting, and approval processes.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing supporting documentation and responding to audit requests.
• Assist in the implementation and follow‑up of audit recommendations related to cost management and finance processes.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements.
• Contribute to finance governance, risk management, and compliance initiatives across the region.

Business Partnering & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with country finance teams and operational leaders to foster a culture of cost awareness and accountability.
• Drive the standardization of cost reporting templates, KPIs, and performance monitoring methodologies.
• Develop and maintain regional dashboards and analytical tools to improve reporting efficiency and decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and strengthen financial controls.
• Monitor implementation progress of cost optimization programs and communicate results to management.
• Promote best practices in cost management and operational efficiency across the region.

MUST HAVE

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5‑8 years of experience in Cost Control, Financial Analysis, Management Accounting, FP&A, Finance Business Partnering, or Regional Finance roles.
• Experience working in a regional or multi‑country environment.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost accounting, and financial controls.
• Experience using ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis applications.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

WE VALUE

• Business acumen and the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.
• Strong commercial mindset with a continuous focus on value creation and profitability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Curiosity and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Collaboration and relationship‑building skills across diverse cultures and geographies.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for process optimization and operational excellence.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a leading global carrier with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative international environment.
• Gain exposure to regional operations across multiple countries and markets.
• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and career development.
• Contribute to meaningful initiatives that drive operational excellence and business performance.

Eligibility to Apply

This position is open to Saudi Arabia nationals or individuals who currently have the legal right to work in Saudi Arabia. Please note that applicants without this eligibility will not be considered.

About Us

Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked among the world's leading container shipping lines and is the largest home‑grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of container and multi‑purpose vessels.

Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services.

For more information, visit www.pilship.com

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.