Project Cost & Budgeting Controller (12-Month Contract)

Company Overview

Terracotta Outsourcing is a prominent provider of recruitment, manpower outsourcing, visa processing, Employer of Record (EOR)/Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services, business setup, PRO services, and comprehensive corporate solutions throughout the UAE region.

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Project Cost & Budgeting Controller on a 12-month contract basis to support a key client in Abu Dhabi’s power and utilities sector. The position involves direct financial oversight of around 25–30 projects, encompassing budget control, accrual management, invoicing, and cost reporting. The role requires close collaboration with Finance, Project Management, Procurement, Accounts Payable, contractors, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Track and monitor project spending against approved budgets, forecasts, and financial commitments.
• Maintain up-to-date cost trackers and deliver bi-weekly reports on costs and budgets.
• Analyze discrepancies between planned and actual expenses to identify risks of overspending.
• Assist in preparing forecasts and ensure visibility into upcoming financial commitments.
• Prepare monthly accrual schedules for contracts and suppliers; reconcile accruals with subsequent invoices and payments.
• Coordinate with project managers to identify costs incurred but not yet invoiced.
• Support financial close processes at month-end, quarter-end, and year-end with accurate cost recording.
• Oversee contract financials including contract values, amendments, commitments, milestones, and outstanding liabilities.
• Review contractor and supplier invoices for compliance with contractual terms and approved deliverables.
• Work with Accounts Payable to ensure timely invoice processing and payment.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and address any payment issues to maintain smooth cash flow.
• Support procurement activities including purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and tender evaluations, ensuring alignment with project budgets.
• Maintain organized financial, procurement, and contractual documentation for audits and compliance.
• Engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders to maintain strong communication and collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 4 to 8 years of relevant experience in project cost control, project finance, project accounting, budgeting, procurement finance, or cost management.
• Proficient hands-on experience with cost tracking, budget management, commitment tracking, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Familiarity with accrual accounting and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close procedures.
• Experience managing contracts, contractor invoices, payment tracking, and project financial obligations.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and analytical problem-solving.
• Experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent preferred.
• Background in power, utilities, energy, EPC, infrastructure, engineering, or construction sectors is valued; candidates from other project-driven industries are also welcome.
• Ability to manage financial control across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and organizational capabilities.
• Currently residing in the UAE with immediate or short-notice availability preferred.