Cost Controller

Proconics; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 45 000 - 85 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Team Leader for Cost Controllers. This pivotal role involves providing strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure project controls standards are met. You'll lead a team, manage budgets, and enhance stakeholder relationships, all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a solid background in project accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment where your contributions will drive project success.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in cost control and project accounting.
• Proven leadership experience in a project-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Cost Controllers across multiple projects.
• Oversee project budgets and ensure financial governance.
• Identify risks affecting project profitability and communicate effectively.

Skills

Cost Control

Project Accounting

Budgeting

Financial Reporting

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in financial accounting

BCom

BTech

Tools

ERP System

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Purpose of the position: The Team Leader: Cost Controllers will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to a team of Cost Controllers across multiple projects.

This role serves as the key interface between project teams, cost control personnel, and the finance department.

The successful candidate will ensure the consistent application of project controls standards, accuracy in financial reporting, and alignment of cost control activities with project objectives.

This is a leadership position that demands a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, team development, and continuous process improvement.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in financial accounting, quantity surveying, BCom, BTech, or other relevant Engineering or Business degree.
• 7–10 years of proven experience in cost control, project accounting, or engineering in a project-based environment, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong background in project controls, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working on an ERP system.
• Proficient in MS Office, with advanced skills in Excel.
• Knowledge of New Engineering Contracts (NEC) is an advantage.

Required Outputs and Responsibilities:

1. Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Cost Controllers to support multiple projects effectively.
2. Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of project budgets in collaboration with Project Managers.
3. Support resource planning for projects.
4. Ensure all commitments and payments relate to properly approved contracts, claims, and variations, following financial delegations and governance structures.
5. Review and approve financial submissions, including project spend, commitments, and cash flow forecasts.
6. Identify potential issues or risks affecting project profitability and communicate them promptly.
7. Assist in compiling, reviewing, and reporting cash flow forecasts, and support invoicing and cost accounting in line with project schedules.
8. Maintain Contract Registers and support contract management activities with project managers.
9. Establish and uphold best practices in cost control methodologies and reporting standards.
10. Prepare reports for Steering Committees, variance analyses, and monthly project performance reviews.
11. Participate in meetings with project teams, clients, and subcontractors, representing project controls and documenting minutes.
12. Foster positive stakeholder relationships with clients, vendors, auditors, and internal departments.
13. Continuously improve and develop current cost control systems and processes, including automation initiatives with IT.
14. Support contract management, register updates, and governance compliance.
15. Represent the cost control function in high-level meetings, ensuring clear and accurate financial communication.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High accountability, ownership, and strategic thinking.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Collaborative team player.
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Punctuality and ability to meet deadlines.
• High stress tolerance.
• Willingness to work extended hours when necessary.
• Driver's License required for travel between offices in Secunda, Johannesburg, and Vanderbijlpark.