SUMMARY:
Cost Controller
One of our clients, a well-established organisation based in the Irene, Centurion area, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Cost Controller to support the financial monitoring and control of projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring project expenditure, maintaining accurate cost records, preparing cost reports, updating forecasts and identifying potential budget variances. The role requires a hands-on professional who can work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement and finance teams to ensure that project costs are accurately tracked, reported and controlled throughout the project lifecycle. This position is suited to an analytical, proactive and highly organised individual who takes ownership of deliverables, pays close attention to detail and can identify discrepancies before they become significant project cost risks.
POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements Relevant degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, Cost Management or a related field. AACE International Certified Cost Professional (CCP) certification would be advantageous. Minimum 5 years' project accounting and cost control experience , preferably within the mining, construction or industrial sectors. Previous mining industry experience is essential. Proven experience in project cost control, capital accounting, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, cash flow management and financial forecasting. Experience managing Capex budgets, AFE submissions, project commitments, actual expenditure and cost-to-complete forecasts. Working knowledge of project cost management systems such as Costrac, Prism, Candy or similar platforms. Experience working with ERP systems and managing the interface between project cost control systems and organisational financial systems. Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and strong financial reporting and analytical capabilities. Sound knowledge of financial reporting standards, governance, risk management and internal controls. Experience with procurement processes, vendor invoices, contractual cost matters and commercial evaluations. Excellent communication, interpersonal and report-writing skills. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and operate effectively under pressure. Strong business acumen, analytical thinking, integrity and attention to detail. Roles and Responsibilities Project Cost Control and Monitoring Collate, capture, review, analyse and report project expenditure throughout the project lifecycle. Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets, cost baselines and financial forecasts. Track actual costs, commitments, purchase orders, invoices and remaining budget allocations. Maintain accurate project cost records, registers, accounting entries and supporting documentation. Monitor expenditure across project work packages, cost codes and relevant cost categories. Monitor Capex budgets and project progress in relation to cost control, change management and expenditure trends. Ensure the traceability and accuracy of cost information throughout all project lifecycle phases. Identify cost overruns, discrepancies, potential savings and emerging financial risks. Investigate cost discrepancies and ensure expenditure is correctly recorded and allocated. Develop and maintain internal project cost control standards, processes and procedures. Budgeting, Cash Flow Management and Forecasting Assist with the preparation and compilation of capital expenditure (Capex) budgets and inputs for Approval for Expenditure (AFE) submissions. Develop and maintain integrated project cost plans incorporating stakeholder and technical function requirements. Prepare, review and maintain project budgets, cost estimates and budget revisions. Manage project cash flows and ensure accurate financial forecasting throughout the project lifecycle. Maintain updated forecasts based on actual expenditure, outstanding commitments and anticipated project costs. Prepare cost-to-complete estimates and estimates-at-completion forecasts. Use statistical, trending and parametric methods to calculate and develop cost 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, cost adjustments and forecast revisions are properly documented and approved. Prepare monthly forecast reviews and financial reports. Cost Reporting and Financial Analysis Prepare and present regular project cost reports for project managers and senior management. Compile budget-versus-actual reports, variance analyses, expenditure summaries and forecast reports. Monitor cost flows and provide accurate reports on project progress, financial performance and variances against plan. Analyse cost trends, identify root causes of variances and recommend appropriate remedial actions. Develop and maintain cost dashboards, spreadsheets, trackers and reporting templates. Provide clear explanations of cost movements, financial risks and forecast changes. Ensure reports are accurate, complete and submitted within required reporting deadlines. Reconcile project cost information against financial and procurement records. Apply financial analysis and project evaluation methodologies to support informed decision-making. Monitor and identify potential cost risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. Procurement and Commercial Cost Management Support procurement activities and participate in the preparation and evaluation of commercial proposals. Assist with contractual bid packages relating to cost matters, including economic evaluations, price analyses and contractual cost stipulations. Monitor purchase orders, supplier commitments, contractor costs and project-related expenditure. Implement and maintain follow-up monitoring systems for key procurement and purchasing items. Track contractual commitments against approved project budgets. Review and manage vendor invoices, retention money and guarantees. Address payment queries and facilitate the timely processing and payment of invoices. 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 Cost Systems and Accounting Create, maintain and review project-related accounting entries. Manage the interface between project cost control systems and the organisation's ERP solution. Ensure accurate and consistent cost information across project management and financial reporting systems. Maintain reliable cost records and ensure the integrity of project financial data. Support capital accounting activities and ensure expenditure is appropriately recorded. Ensure cost management systems and reporting processes align with organisational financial policies and procedures. Identify opportunities to improve cost tracking, system integration, reporting accuracy and financial controls. Project Progress and Cost Forecast Integration Work closely with project managers, engineers and planners to align expenditure forecasts with project schedules and progress. Monitor actual expenditure against planned project progress and identify potential cost or schedule impacts. Update forecasts to reflect changes in project scope, delivery dates, procurement timelines and project requirements. Monitor project activities in relation to cost performance and change management. Support monthly project reviews and cost performance discussions. Provide accurate financial information to support project planning and management decision-making. Governance, Compliance and Risk Management Ensure project cost control activities comply with organisational policies, procedures, regulatory requirements and reporting standards. Maintain organised and auditable records of project budgets, expenditure, commitments, forecasts and approvals. Ensure cost adjustments, budget transfers and forecast revisions are appropriately documented and authorised. Assist with project financial reviews, internal audits and cost reconciliations. Maintain effective risk management practices and internal financial controls. Identify potential financial and commercial risks and recommend appropriate remedial actions. Promote continuous improvement in project cost management standards, processes and procedures. Ensure the accuracy, integrity and traceability of financial information throughout the project lifecycle. Handle confidential financial and commercial information professionally. Stakeholder Coordination and Professional Competencies Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, procurement, finance and other relevant departments. Coordinate the collection, verification and consolidation of cost information from multiple stakeholders. Communicate cost variances, financial risks and emerging issues clearly at all organisational levels. Follow up proactively on outstanding inputs, approvals, payments and reporting requirements. Participate in project review meetings and provide accurate cost-related information as required. Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, business acumen and the ability to build effective working relationships. Promote and support organisational change initiatives relating to project cost management. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, sound judgement and a strong customer service ethic. Manage and prioritise multiple tasks with diligence and attention to detail. Work independently while contributing effectively within a diverse, multidisciplinary project team. Maintain high standards of professionalism and perform effectively in a pressurised project environment. Closing Date: Submissions for this vacancy will close on 20 October 2026. Late applications may still be considered until 11 November 2026. Please Note: Thank you for submitting your CV to Marvel Placement Consultants. Should your application be successful, we will contact you. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of your application, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your details will remain on our database for possible future opportunities. PoPI Act Compliance: Marvel Placement Consultants adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No. 4 of 2013). Section 9 of PoPI states that \"Personal Information may only be processed if, given the purpose for which it is processed, it is adequate, relevant and not excessive.\"
