KEY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Project Financial Controller supports strategic decision-making through meticulous analysis of cost and financial data. The role oversees budgeting, pricing, cost management, and financial modelling, ensuring compliance with standards and driving sustainable business growth. The position also focuses on enhancing efficiency, profitability, and risk management across multiple projects.

KEY OUTPUTS/ ACCOUNTABILITY

Cost Management & Pricing

• Develop and implement comprehensive cost-control measures to manage project expenses effectively.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis of project elements, including labor, materials, and operational costs.
• Create and manage cost models for new and existing projects.
• Lead cost variance analysis to monitor discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform cost allocations and manage recharges across departments/projects.
• Conduct benchmarking and pricing analyses against industry standards to ensure competitive pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with procurement to manage supplier costs and negotiate favorable terms.
• Develop pricing models and generate pricing for client proposals
• Identify and manage project input costs for accurate project pricing and budgets

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare detailed financial statements and reports for projects, including budgets, forecasts, and actual performance analyses.
• Develop financial models for scenario planning and stress testing.
• Analyse cash flow trends and optimise working capital requirements.
• Track and monitor key financial metrics such as ROI, EBITDA, and cost-to-income ratios.
• Perform detailed profit margin analyses to assess project profitability and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare consolidated project performance reports for stakeholders, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Partner with the sales team to design competitive financial solutions for client proposals.
• Support the CFO with strategic financial planning and investment evaluations.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop strategies for entering new markets.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with operations, sales, and procurement teams to achieve financial targets.
• Deliver financial insights and recommendations during leadership meetings.
• Collect and Maintain: Gather cost information and maintain an organised expense database to facilitate effective financial management.
• Data Accumulation: Construct robust data accumulation systems to ensure accurate and comprehensive cost analysis.
• Variable Costs: Plan and record variable costs, providing essential insights for decision-making.
• Accuracy Check: Review standard and actual costs, identifying and rectifying inaccuracies to ensure financial precision.
• Budgeting Reports: Prepare detailed budgeting reports to guide strategic financial planning.
• Profit Margin Analysis: Analyse and report on profit margins, contributing to informed business decisions.
• Month-end & Year-end Support: Assist in month-end and year-end closing activities, ensuring smooth financial operations.
• Cost-effective Solutions: Identify and recommend cost-effective solutions, driving efficiency across regional branches. Accompany sales teams to client meetings to support pricing negotiations and risk assessments
• Policy Compilation and Maintenance: Compile new policies, maintain existing policies, and document processes as and when needed.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Minimum of BCom Accounting Degree or Diploma (Cost & Management Accounting). Preference will be given to candidates with post-graduate qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Finance (Bookkeeping to Trial Balance and management reporting experience)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar position
• Computer literacy
• Advanced Excel (Pivots) and PowerPoint presentation
• Knowledge of Accounting software
• Accounting standards (IAS, IFRS, GRAP)

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in financial modelling and reporting.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.