Project Cost Controller (Infrastructure/Projects)

Project Cost Controller (Infrastructure/Projects)

Our client is a leading European MNC in the project based infrastructure industry. They are looking for a dynamic financial professional to join their forward-thinking team to drive impactful and transformative complex projects. This role will be based in Kuala Lumpur.

As a key member of the project, this person will provide financial analysis, advice and guidance to support the project team in making the best business decisions for the project. They are the main partner for the Financial Strategy success of the project, contributing in negotiation processes to secure project success. This person will support the Project Manager in risks and opportunities process and sign-off contingencies/committed savings. They are a part of the Finance organization covering the entire project lifecycle, i.e. acquisition, bidding and execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager in the overall project management process.
• Act as the primary partner for achieving the project's financial strategy.
• Enhance financial aspects of the project, including organization tax, hedging, and financing.
• Business Partnering - Provide financial guidance and support to the project team.
• Establish technical expertise that addresses the current needs of the business to create value.
• Promote integration within the organization and facilitate functional collaboration.
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations during project reviews and throughout execution.
• Support business agility and increase financial awareness.
• Supervise, analyze, and provide assistance on all financial matters related to the project.
• Monitor the project's financial performance and recommend action plans to improve contract margins and cash flow, as well as corrective measures for identified risks.
• Enhance the accuracy and insight of project financial data (forecasts, revenue, costs, etc.).
• Evaluate and approve project financials in line with delegation of authority.
• Confirm internal transfer pricing policies to procurement for issuing internal purchase orders.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, particularly concerning tax and statutory accounts.
• Collaborate with various finance expert functions (e.g., Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, etc.).
• Work alongside other specialized teams (e.g., legal, operations, etc.).
• Assist in negotiation efforts to ensure project success with customers or partners.
• Partner with the Project Manager and Contract Manager in contract and claim management, focusing on financial risks.

Key Tasks:

• Collaborate with the project team to prepare project review materials and reassess profitability every six months.
• Provide detailed explanations and justifications for estimates.
• The Project Cost Controller will continually focus on adding value by:
• Engaging in negotiations (price reviews, financial terms and conditions, claims, etc.).
• Scrutinizing financial information throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely warnings for financial impacts and risk management.
• Monitoring compliance with all governance and reporting regulations.
• Ensuring adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Understanding contractual terms and advising on financial matters to improve competitiveness.
• Supporting Claim Management in collaboration with the Project and Contract Managers, focusing on financial issues and risks.
• Managing and analyzing costs, revenue, and profitability.
• Preparing forecasts for sales, costs, margins, and cash flow promptly.
• Continuously seeking opportunities to optimize liquidity and working capital, promoting a cash-conscious culture within the project.
• Ensuring that billing processes (both internal and external) are executed promptly.
• Assisting finance teams with monthly closing processes and reporting project finances accurately.
• Supporting requests from the Performance Management Group.
• Assessing the eligibility and impact of capital expenditures and R&D, optimizing implementation, and informing Operations Finance about amounts considered during tendering.
• Regularly reconciling project data with the General Ledger.
• Ensuring that project bonds and guarantees are issued timely and requesting releases as soon as feasible to avoid unnecessary costs.

Must Have:

• CA/MBA +10 years’ experience in Finance within a project based industry especially in an MNC culture
• An auditing and/or project operational background would be an advantage
• Robust organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Strong team player
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel and knowledge of SAP
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.