Cost Controller

SUMMARY:
Large Hotel in Pretoria is looking for an experienced Cost Controller.
 
The Cost Controller is responsible for managing the financial efficiency of all food, beverage and general operational supplies across the hotel.
 
This includes menu costing, event / banquet costing, item cost analysis, inventory management and stock control.
 
This role ensures that actual consumption aligns with budgeted cost levels and that all stock is correctly accounted for and efficiently utilized.

POSITION INFO:
Duties:

Menu Costing & Analysis:
Prepare detailed costing of all menus (à la carte, buffet, banquet, room service, promotions).
Ensure all menu items are costed with up-to-date prices and yield calculations.
Collaborate with chefs and F&B managers to review recipes, portion sizes, and standard yields.
Recommend pricing strategies to maintain target food and beverage cost percentages.
Update costing sheets regularly to reflect market price changes.

Item and Material Costing:
Cost all operational consumables, raw materials, and supplies used by the hotel (linen, cleaning, spa, minibar, amenities, etc.).
Maintain a cost database of all items with supplier price history.
Work with procurement to evaluate vendors and pricing competitiveness.
Verify unit prices, UOMs (units of measure), and conversion accuracy.

Inventory and Stock Control:
Oversee the receipt, storage, and issuance of food, beverage, and general store items.
Conduct monthly and surprise stock takes in stores and all consumption areas (kitchens, bars, banquet stores, etc.).
Monitor inventory movement, stock aging, and minimize pilferage, wastage, and overstocking.
Ensure FIFO (First-In, First-Out) is strictly followed.

F&B and Banqueting Support:
Support banqueting team with custom event costing, including itemized breakdowns for weddings, conferences, and large functions.
Ensure costing of banquet menus aligns with profitability targets.
Assist in forecasting and budgeting for large-scale events.

Cost Reporting & Controls:
Generate daily, weekly, and monthly cost reports including:
Food & beverage cost percentages
Variance reports (actual vs theoretical usage)
Waste and loss reports
Stock movement summaries
Implement internal controls and SOPs for procurement, receiving, storing, and issuing.
Participate in internal audits and compliance checks.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Finance, Accounting, or Supply Chain
5+ years of relevant experience in cost control and stores within a 4 or 5-star hotel or resort
Strong background in F&B operations, banqueting, and multi-outlet costing
Experience with menu costing tools, stock management software, and POS integration
Advanced knowledge of menu engineering and recipe costing
Strong understanding of hotel inventory systems
Proficiency in hospitality software
Analytical and detail-oriented approach to cost analysis
Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with chefs, banquet teams, and suppliers
Excellent Excel/reporting skills and understanding of cost formulas and markup strategies
Accuracy and timeliness of menu and banquet costing
Reduction in food and beverage cost variance
Inventory turnover and waste minimization
Stock accuracy during audits and stock takes
Cost savings through vendor negotiation and purchase efficiency