Senior Cost Controller

About the Company

Astek Middle East is part of Astek, a global engineering and technology consulting group founded in France in 1988 and now present on five continents. The Middle East entity delivers IT and technology services across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, supporting clients in public and government, healthcare, transportation, banking, retail, airlines, and tourism. With 10,000 employees worldwide and revenue of €620 million in 2023, Astek focuses on digital transformation and complex systems engineering for international clients. The group promotes a strong culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and continuous skills development. More information is available on the Astek Saudi Arabia and UAE country pages, and candidates can reach Astek Middle East at [email protected].

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Cost Controller to support the financial monitoring, cost management, and performance reporting of energy efficiency, construction, infrastructure, and sustainability projects across Saudi Arabia. The role will be responsible for monitoring project budgets, analyzing cost performance and variances, tracking commitments and expenditures, and providing accurate financial information to support project decision-making. The successful candidate will work closely with project managers, procurement, finance, contractors, and other stakeholders to help ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control project costs against approved budgets and approved cost plans.
• Analyze cost variances and provide timely explanations and recommendations to project management.
• Prepare and maintain cost reports, budget forecasts, cash flow projections, and cost performance analyses.
• Track project commitments, expenditures, change orders, variations, claims, and other financial impacts.
• Coordinate with project managers, procurement, and finance teams to reconcile costs and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Support the preparation of project cost estimates, budgets, and financial proposals for new and ongoing projects.
• Maintain project cost databases and ensure accurate coding and allocation of project expenditures.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and financial updates for project management and stakeholders.
• Monitor project financial performance and identify potential cost overruns or risks.
• Support project closeout activities, including final cost reporting and financial documentation.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and provide recommendations to improve project financial performance.
• Support project teams with cost-related analysis and financial information throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in cost control, project cost management, or a related field.
• Candidates with extensive experience, including 10+ years, are also encouraged to apply.
• Professional experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination, project execution, and/or project management.
• Valid Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) registration and membership, where applicable.
• Engineering profession reflected on the candidate's Iqama, where applicable.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and financial reporting skills.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Required Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including cost tracking, budget analysis, pivot tables, formulas, and financial modeling.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent platforms.
• Working knowledge of Primavera P6 and cost-loaded schedules is an advantage.
• Experience with project cost estimation and cost management methodologies.
• Knowledge of earned value management (EVM) and project cost performance analysis.
• Experience with Power BI or similar tools for cost reporting and dashboards is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with change management, variations, claims, commitments, and project expenditure tracking.

Preferred Skills

• Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Certified Cost Technician (CCT) from AACE International.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience with FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.
• Previous experience in energy efficiency, construction, infrastructure, engineering, or facility projects.
• Experience working on projects in Saudi Arabia.
• Familiarity with Value Engineering (VE) principles.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project teams.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced cost management professional with strong analytical and financial skills and the ability to take ownership of project cost monitoring and reporting. The position is open to candidates with 3+ years of relevant experience, including professionals with significantly more experience who meet the technical and qualification requirements. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.