Cost Controller

Finance Department | Cape Town About The Role Sarens Siba (Pty) Ltd is seeking an experienced Cost Controller to join our Finance team. The successful candidate will act as the financial business partner and Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for designated business units, ensuring accurate financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, performance monitoring, and compliance with company policies and procedures. The role plays a key part in supporting management decision-making, driving financial performance, identifying risks, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary finance contact and trusted advisor for designated business units.
• Provide guidance on Sarens financial policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare, review, and analyse budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial performance reports.
• Monitor actual costs against budgets and investigate variances to ensure financial accuracy and control.
• Track and manage key financial performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Oversee month-end closing processes and ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Review revenue and cost provisions, accruals, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with reporting standards.
• Support business units in the preparation, submission, and collection of invoices.
• Ensure financial master data is maintained accurately, and all relevant records are properly filed and controlled.
• Develop and maintain management reporting systems that provide timely and accurate financial information for decision-making.
• Prepare management reports, financial presentations, and performance analyses for senior leadership.
• Identify financial risks, ensure compliance with group standards and policies, and proactively recommend mitigation measures.
• Liaise with operational, finance, tax, reporting, and compliance stakeholders to support business objectives and performance improvement initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing financial performance, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Promote compliance with Sarens SHEQ requirements and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Finance, Accounting, Cost Management, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, SAICA, SAIPA, or equivalent) will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in financial controlling, cost control, management accounting, or financial analysis.
• Previous experience within construction, engineering, heavy lifting, logistics, mining, energy, or project-based environments will be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, cost control, management reporting, and financial analysis.
• Experience with month-end reporting, financial reconciliations, and performance management processes.
• Sound understanding of financial compliance, governance, and risk management principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in ERP and financial reporting systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment

WE OFFER

• Opportunity to work within a leading international heavy lifting and engineered transport company.
• Exposure to large-scale projects across the renewable energy, infrastructure, industrial, and mining sectors.
• Dynamic and collaborative working environment.
• Professional growth and development opportunities within the Sarens Group.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to business performance and strategic decision-making.