Cost Controller Gauteng

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-

The Cost Controller role involves overseeing financial monitoring and control of projects, ensuring precise cost records and accurate reporting. Key responsibilities include monitoring project expenditures, preparing cost reports, and collaborating with various teams to track and control project costs throughout the lifecycle. Essential qualifications include a relevant degree, seven years of cost control experience, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, and familiarity with ERP systems, particularly SAP.

Cost Management Specialist

We are currently engaged with a prominent client, situated in Irene, Centurion, who is in need of a seasoned and meticulous Cost Management Specialist to oversee financial monitoring and control of their projects. This position calls for an individual adept at overseeing project expenditures, maintaining precise cost records, generating cost reports, revising forecasts and pinpointing potential budget discrepancies. The ideal candidate will be tasked with collaborating with project managers, engineers, procurement and finance teams to ensure that project costs are meticulously tracked, reported and controlled throughout the entire project lifecycle. This role is ideal for an analytical, proactive and highly organized individual who takes ownership of deliverables, pays keen attention to detail and can detect discrepancies before they escalate into significant project cost risks.

Minimum Requirements

A relevant degree in Cost Management, Cost Accounting, Finance, Accounting, Project Management or a related discipline is essential. A minimum of seven years’ experience in cost control, preferably within the mining, engineering, construction or capital projects sectors. Prior experience in the mining industry is required. Proven expertise in project cost control, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, forecasting and financial reporting. Experience managing capital project budgets, commitments, actual expenditures and cost-to-complete forecasts. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, encompassing formulas, lookups, PivotTables and cost reporting. Familiarity with ERP or project cost management systems; SAP experience is highly advantageous. Ability to liaise effectively with project management, engineering, procurement, finance and operational stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

Project Cost Control and Monitoring

Monitor project expenditure versus approved budgets and cost baselines. Track actual costs, commitments, purchase orders, invoices and remaining budget allocations. Maintain accurate project cost records, registers and reports. Monitor expenditure across project work packages, cost codes and relevant cost categories. Identify cost overruns, discrepancies, potential savings and emerging financial risks. Ensure project costs are accurately recorded and allocated to the correct cost codes and activities. Investigate discrepancies and follow up on outstanding cost information to maintain reliable reporting.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Assist in preparing project budgets, cost estimates and budget revisions. Maintain updated project forecasts based on actual expenditure, outstanding commitments and anticipated costs. Prepare cost-to-complete estimates and estimates-at-completion forecasts. Compare forecast costs against approved budgets and identify potential deviations. Investigate variances and obtain explanations from relevant project stakeholders. Support project managers in identifying corrective actions where expenditure exceeds planned allocations. Ensure budget changes and cost adjustments are properly documented and approved.

Cost Reporting and Analysis

Prepare regular project cost reports for project managers and management. Compile budget-versus-actual reports, variance analyses, expenditure summaries and forecast reports. Analyse cost trends and identify areas requiring further investigation or intervention. Develop and maintain cost dashboards, spreadsheets, trackers and reporting templates. Ensure reports are accurate, complete and submitted within the required reporting deadlines. Provide clear explanations of cost movements, financial risks and forecast changes. Reconcile project cost information against relevant financial and procurement records.

Procurement and Commercial Cost Monitoring

Monitor purchase orders, supplier commitments, contractor costs and project-related expenditure. Track contractual commitments against approved budgets. Review supplier and contractor invoices against purchase orders, approved work and supporting documentation. Liaise with procurement and accounts payable teams to resolve discrepancies and outstanding invoices. Monitor variations, change orders, claims and additional expenditure affecting project budgets. Maintain accurate records of approved and pending variations and their potential cost implications. Identify unapproved commitments, duplicate charges and discrepancies requiring investigation.

Project Progress and Cost Forecast Integration

Work with project managers and planners to align expenditure forecasts with project schedules and progress. Monitor actual expenditure against planned progress and identify potential cost or schedule impacts. Update forecasts to reflect changes in scope, delivery dates, procurement timelines and project requirements. Support monthly project reviews and cost performance reporting. Provide accurate cost information to support project planning and management decision-making.

Governance, Compliance and Documentation

Maintain organized and auditable records of project budgets, expenditure, commitments, forecasts and approvals. Ensure cost control processes comply with internal procedures and financial reporting requirements. Maintain supporting documentation for cost adjustments, budget transfers and forecast revisions. Assist with project financial reviews, internal audits and cost reconciliations. Identify opportunities to improve cost tracking, reporting accuracy and financial controls. Handle confidential financial and commercial information professionally.

Stakeholder Coordination

Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, procurement, finance and other relevant departments. Coordinate the collection and verification of cost information from multiple stakeholders. Follow up proactively on outstanding inputs, approvals and reporting requirements. Communicate cost variances and emerging risks clearly to the relevant stakeholders. Participate in project review meetings and provide accurate cost-related information as required.

Closing Date: 12 Nov 2026