Cost Controller

Backed by 20 years of excellence in executive search, Royal Ocean Marine Enterprise (ROME) is a premier APAC and global headhunting firm headquartered in Singapore. We specialize in mapping and securing C-Suite leaders, Board Members, General Managers, and senior functional heads , management across the maritime, shipping, hospitality, energy, and broader corporate sectors. Combining deep industry heritage with modern cross-sector talent insights, we connect forward-thinking organizations with transformative executive leadership worldwide.

We are currently partnering with a MNC shipowner based in Singapore for the opening of

Cost Controller

About the role

Monitor, analyze, and optimize operating costs for a portfolio of vessels under ship management within an operational unit, with precise tracking of daily cost and granular variance analysis. Act as a key business partner to operational teams by challenging variances and providing clear, qualitative, and concise financial insights on vessel cost performance.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure detailed analytical monitoring of vessel operating costs (crew, maintenance, consumables, insurance, fuel, food, etc.)
• Ensure the reliability of the standard daily cost for each vessel in scope and conduct in-depth variance analysis between standard and actuals
• Work at a granular level: by vessel, by cost item, by cost breakdown, by status
• Monthly review of the PO module and backlog status (open orders, invoices not received, unmatched purchase orders) with operational teams
• Ensure rigorous monitoring of Variation Orders in both analytical tracking and contract/project recharges
• Produce qualitative and concise financial analyses to explain variances and support decision-making
• Challenge operational teams (Vessel manager, Crewing manager, etc.) on financial performance, acting as a credible and solution-oriented partner
• Participate in management reviews and contribute to budget arbitration preparation
• Work closely with accounting to ensure proper recording of accruals in line with operational activity
• Lead the preparation of vessel budgets in close collaboration with operational departments while ensuring completeness and consistency of forecasts

Requirement

• Bachelor's degree minimum in Finance / Accounting or equivalent
• 3–8 years experience in operational controlling (maritime/industry preferred)
• Strong experience in operational cost control
• Strong accounting and analytical control skills
• Reporting and KPI production
• Advanced Excel and ERP (Oracle preferred)
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Business partnering and leadership

Chan Chee Meng 
EA 07C3069/R1110620