Senior Analyst : Project Cost Controller

Mulilo; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in South Africa seeks a Project Cost Controller. This role involves managing project budgets, controlling costs, and collaborating closely with project managers and finance teams. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's in finance or accounting and have at least 5 years' experience in project cost control within the renewable energy sector. The position offers a competitive remuneration package and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive total remuneration package

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project cost control in renewable energy or construction.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and trends.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project budgets with project managers.
• Implement cost control procedures to ensure adherence to budget.
• Prepare forecasts of project costs based on performance.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and negotiate terms.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prepare financial reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Financial modelling

Proficiency in ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or Accounting

Advanced degree or professional certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Company Since its establishment in

Mulilo has grown into one of the leading Independent Power Producers (IPP) in Southern Africa.

Mulilo is majority owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the world's leading private equity investor in renewable energy assets, through its New Markets Fund I. Mulilo has concluded numerous PPA's in both the Department of Mineral Energy's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) and with several large corporate energy users.

Mulilo currently operates MW of wind and solar PV projects and has a further MW of projects under financial close.

Having adopted a strategy that aligns with the company's long‑term vision, Mulilo has accumulated a pipeline of projects exceeding 25GW, and is now positioned as a key player in the renewable energy sector.

Mulilo places strong emphasis on its human capital and prides itself in providing a world class working environment for all its employees, thereby placing huge value on career progression and personal growth.

Mulilo is guided by strong ethical principles and adheres to its environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) Founded in

CIP is the world's largest dedicated renewable energy fund manager and a global leader in offshore wind.

CIP currently manages over 30 billion Euro's, with a target of having billion Euros under management by

The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy‑from‑waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power‑to‑X.

About this role

As a Project Cost Controller for renewable energy construction projects in South Africa, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of our projects within budgetary constraints.

You will work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and finance teams to monitor, analyse, and control project costs throughout the project lifecycle.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in South Africa while advancing your career in a dynamic and fast‑growing industry.

Duties and responsibilities

• Budget Management: Develop and maintain project budgets in collaboration with project managers and finance teams. Analyse financial data, identify trends and provide insightful recommendations to optimize project performance.
• Cost Control: Implement cost control procedures and tools to ensure adherence to budgetary policies and constraints. Review and analyse project cost data, including invoices, contracts, change orders, and procurement activities. Monitor project expenses and track budget variances to identify potential cost overruns or savings opportunities. Identify cost‑saving initiatives and recommend strategies to optimise project costs without compromising quality or timelines.
• Forecasting and Analysis: Prepare accurate forecasts of project costs based on current performance and anticipated future expenditures. Conduct financial analysis and risk assessments to identify potential cost impacts and mitigation strategies. Collaborate with project teams to develop contingency plans and alternative scenarios to address cost uncertainties.
• Vendor and Contract Management: In collaboration with procurement specialists and finance teams, evaluate vendor proposals and negotiate favourable terms and pricing agreements. Monitor contractor performance and compliance with contractual obligations. Address any discrepancies or disputes related to vendor costs and invoices in a timely manner.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and company policies. Prepare financial reports, cost summaries, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders. Participate in project audits and reviews to validate financial data and controls.

Required skills and education background

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or similar.
• Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CMA, CPA, PMP, FMVA) preferred.
• At least 5 years of proven relevant experience in project cost control, preferably in the renewable energy or construction industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and trends.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, ERP systems, PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel (preferably Intermediate to Advanced level).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision in financial analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks and industry standards for renewable energy projects is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Desirable attributes

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the Renewable Energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility.

Mulilo is an employer of choice and is offering an extremely competitive total remuneration package for this position.

Additional Information

Able to work overtime according to operational needs.

The position is based at the offices of the company, but travel may be required occasionally.