Cost Controller

We are looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Controller to monitor, analyze, and control the company's operational costs, ensuring accurate cost allocation, effective inventory management, and improved profitability. The role will focus on cost monitoring, inventory valuation, landed cost analysis, and financial performance within a food import and distribution business.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the company's operational costs, identifying variances and opportunities for cost optimization.
• Prepare regular cost reports and provide insights into cost trends, expenses, and profitability.
• Monitor product costs, purchase prices, and cost fluctuations to support effective pricing and purchasing decisions.
• Calculate, allocate, and review landed costs, including freight charges, customs duties, clearance fees, and other import-related expenses.
• Monitor inventory valuation and ensure accurate allocation of costs to imported goods.
• Analyze the cost of goods sold (COGS) and investigate discrepancies between actual and expected costs.
• Monitor stock movements, inventory levels, wastage, damages, and stock losses to identify potential cost issues.
• Coordinate with warehouse and purchasing teams to reconcile stock records and investigate inventory discrepancies.
• Conduct periodic stock counts and analyze variances between physical inventory and system records.
• Review supplier quotations, purchase orders, and invoices to ensure cost accuracy and identify potential savings.
• Monitor product margins and profitability across different products, categories, and business operations.
• Assist in developing budgets, forecasts, and cost estimates to support financial planning.
• Compare actual costs against budgets and forecasts, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor logistics, warehousing, transportation, and other operational expenses to ensure cost efficiency.
• Support pricing reviews by analyzing product costs, margins, and market-related cost factors.
• Ensure accurate cost records and compliance with company policies, accounting procedures, and applicable Bahrain VAT requirements where relevant to the role.
• Prepare cost analysis reports and present findings and recommendations to management.
• Maintain proper documentation and supporting records for cost reviews, inventory audits, and financial audits.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost-control procedures, inventory management, and internal controls.
• Work closely with finance, procurement, warehouse, and operations teams to improve cost visibility and profitability.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in cost control, cost accounting, or financial analysis.
• Experience in food import, FMCG, trading, distribution, or a related industry is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inventory costing, landed cost calculations, and cost of goods sold.
• Experience in analyzing product costs, profit margins, operational expenses, and cost variances.
• Understanding of inventory valuation, stock reconciliation, and warehouse operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with applicable accounting standards and Bahrain VAT regulations.
• Experience using ERP systems or accounting software for inventory and cost tracking.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to prepare detailed cost reports.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to identify cost discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across departments.
• Ability to work independently, meet reporting deadlines, and provide practical recommendations to management.

Work Location: In person