Cost Controller - Project Management

JOB REQUISITES

Role Summary

WSP India is currently seeking a Cost Controller for our Australia Mining infrastructure Projects

(Materials Handling Infrastructure). This position will be a support to the project managers in the area of cost controlling, variance analysis, forecasting and reporting. The position will also be involved in earned value management, change management and risk management. Mentor, coach and train junior and intermediate cost controllers within project team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive cost planning strategies for Mining processing plant EPC(M) projects, including detailed cost estimates, budgets, and forecasts.
• Ensure alignment of cost plans with project objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Prepare, analyze, and present cost reports at various project phases and stage gates using relevant software tools.
• Regularly track actual expenditures against the budget and forecast future costs, identifying variances and trends.
• Provide detailed cost analysis and financial summaries for project managers and senior management.
• Report and graph updates of actual man-hours and costs invoiced, incurred, physical progress, forecast to complete, key and / or critical issues and scheduled achievements relative to the status of the project
• Conduct variance analysis to compare actual costs with budgeted amounts, explaining discrepancies and recommending corrective actions.
• Assess financial risks associated with project changes, delays, or cost overruns, and develop risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with project teams.
• Perform in-depth financial analyses to assess project performance, cost trends, and potential risks.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial forecasts, factoring in project milestones, deliverables, and potential scope changes.
• Ensuring thorough regular periodic reassessment of project scope, cost and schedule for completeness, reflecting the best judgement of the project team and management
• Evaluate current status of the project cost, provide most accurate total Project Forecast ensuring inclusion of all cost categories
• Evaluate the financial impact of changes in project scope or requirements.
• Collaborate with project managers to review and approve change orders, ensuring alignment with cost and budgetary goals.
• Identify potential cost-related risks, such as overruns or delays, and develop proactive strategies to address them.
• Support the development of contingency plans to ensure project financial stability.
• Continuously improve cost control processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Share insights and recommendations with senior management to support data-driven decision-making.
• Work closely with project management, procurement, and other cross-functional teams to gather cost-related information.
• Ensure cost control measures align with overall project objectives and contractual requirements.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation.
• Take on additional responsibilities as directed by management.

Key Competencies/Skills

• Able to communicate, understand, express and apply basic technical, business or administrative concepts.
• Superior organizational and time-management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Decision and problem-solving ability.
• Proven ability to multi-task and efficiently respond to changing priorities.
• Accepts coaching, knowledge and support from more experienced staff.
• Define and steward the commitment to Health and Safety on the projects
• Aware of safety concerns and contributes regularly to safety discussions
• Meeting targets and deadlines
• Assist in the definition of and ensure adherence to the defined corporate objectives.  Brief and assist subordinates with understanding and provide linked sub-objectives that have applicability to their work.
• Seek out assistance and ask questions of company leaders and experts
• Lead by example and promote a positive environment rooted in communication, ownership and camaraderie
• Maintain an open mind when receiving constructive feedback and apply recommendations towards self-improvement.
• Build and maintain WSP’s brand/reputation both internally and externally.

Mandatory Skills

• 8-12 years’ Experience with cost controlling with O & G, Power, Mining Processing industry experience.
• Demonstrable capability in cost Controls, and proven skills in the use of Cost Management software / Microsoft Excel / other cost management database products.
• The use and understanding of Primavera Unifier is high desirable
• Understanding the Cost Controls function to align with.
  • Cost Management
  • Change Management, and
  • Risk and Opportunity Management

Desired Skills

• 8-12 years Valuable experience in cost control is considered and asset
• Understanding management of changes implications
• Understanding Earned Value Management guiding principles considered a plus.
• Must be able to analyse the effect of schedule performance on project completion
• Must be time flexible and able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with other analytics tools such as Power Point, Excel, Power BI & equivalent dashboards.
• Previous experience in an EPCM environment in the O & G, Power, Mining processing industry is an asset.

Qualifications

• Must have minimum 8-12 years of experience post-graduation, preferably relating to a large-scale professional services work environment
• Degree holder with Arts/commerce/Science/Engineering + MBA-Operations management or diploma or certificate in Project/Contracts Management or other applicable area would be an asset.
• Work experience on AU/NZ projects would be advantageous.
• PMP certification would be advantageous.