Senior Cost Controller

Job Description

Senior Cost Controller

Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Hybrid)

DRA Global Limited is an international multi-disciplinary engineering, project delivery and operations management group, predominantly focused on the mining, minerals and metals industry.

The Group has an extensive track record spanning almost four decades across a wide range of commodities. Our teams have deep expertise in the mining, minerals and metals processing industries, as well as related non-process infrastructure such as water and energy solutions.

DRA covers all major mining centers with offices across Africa and the Middle East, North and South America, and the Asia-Pacific.

Reporting to DRA Americas' Lead Cost Controller , you will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining project cost control systems, budgets, forecasts and reporting for major mining and minerals processing projects within a multidisciplinary Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) environment. The Senior Cost Controller will oversee and coordinate cost control activities, support project performance monitoring, and work closely with project managers, engineering, procurement, project services and other stakeholders to ensure effective cost management throughout the project lifecycle.

Main functions include (but are not limited to):

Project Cost Control & Forecasting

- Establish and maintain project cost control systems, cost coding structures, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and control budgets.

- Monitor and maintain project budgets, commitments, actual costs, cash-flow and forecasts.

- Prepare and update project cost forecasts, including Final Forecast Cost (FFC) and Estimate at Completion (EAC).

- Conduct cost variance analysis, identify potential overruns and under-runs, and proactively recommend corrective actions.

- Monitor project contingency, escalation, foreign exchange and other cost-related risks.

- Incorporate approved project changes and Project Change Notices (PCNs) into project budgets and forecasts.

- Support the development and implementation of cost control procedures, project controls standards and reporting processes.

Project Reporting & Performance Measurement

- Prepare and present monthly cost reports, dashboards, trend reports and cost performance analyses.

- Apply Earned Value Management (EVM) and other project performance measurement methodologies.

- Develop and maintain cost curves, cash flow projections and cost profiles using project schedules and progress data.

- Coordinate monthly forecasting and cost review meetings with project managers, engineers, quantity surveyors and other stakeholders.

- Reconcile project cost information between DRA, clients, procurement, accounting and contracting partners.

- Import and validate detailed actual cost and commitment data, ensuring accurate and timely project reporting.

- Identify opportunities to improve cost reporting, data integrity and project control processes.

Procurement, Contracts & Change Management

- Reconcile procurement commitments against contracts, purchase orders and the project commitment register.

- Allocate budgets to procurement packages and perform scope, pricing and budget reconciliations to support award recommendations.

- Monitor commitments, payments and procurement costs against approved budgets and forecasts.

- Participate in project trending and change management processes, ensuring approved changes are reflected in project cost forecasts.

- Coordinate with procurement, estimating, project accounting and contract administration teams to maintain accurate cost information.

EPCM Cost Management & Client Reporting

- Develop and maintain EPCM man-hour schedules, budgets and forecasts.

- Track actual man-hours and update forecasts in coordination with project managers before month-end reporting.

- Monitor EPCM services progress and performance against approved budgets and schedules.

- Coordinate the reconciliation and reporting of reimbursable costs.

- Prepare and submit EPCM invoices and supporting statements to clients, monitor outstanding payments and follow up on aged receivables.

- Maintain accurate project cost documentation and support compliance with client reporting and contractual requirements.

Project Systems & Asset Management

- Establish and maintain project cost control systems, including Costrac and InEight.

- Maintain project cost coding, import templates, data mapping and cost reporting structures.

- Verify that purchase orders, payments, change notices and other transactions are allocated to the correct cost codes and cost centres.

- Perform month-end cost control activities, reconciliations and reporting.

- Develop and maintain project asset registers and support asset capitalization reporting in accordance with client requirements.

- Ensure project cost information and supporting documentation are accurate, complete and maintained in accordance with company procedures.

Project Coordination & Team Leadership

- Oversee, coordinate and assign cost control activities across projects, ensuring timely and accurate deliverables.

- Monitor cost control progress and provide technical guidance to project team members.

- Mentor and support Cost Controllers and Junior Cost Controllers, including training on systems, processes and reporting standards.

- Collaborate with project managers, engineering, procurement, estimating, project accounting and other project stakeholders to ensure alignment of cost information.

- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen cost control practices and improve project performance.

- Provide cost control guidance and support to project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements:

- 10-15+ years of experience in a similar cost control role within a multidisciplinary EPCM environment.

- Experience supporting major mining, minerals processing or related capital projects.

- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience on major mining projects.

- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting and dashboard development.

- Demonstrated experience using Costrac and InEight for project cost control and reporting.

- Strong knowledge of project cost structures, cost coding, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and commitment control.

- Experience with Earned Value Management, cost performance measurement, variance analysis and Final Forecast Cost development.

- Knowledge of procurement, contracts, project change management and cost reconciliation processes.

- Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and communicate cost risks proactively.

- Demonstrated ability to coordinate cost control activities, mentor team members and work effectively with project managers, clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong focus on accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.

Employment type:

Permanent

Physical Requirements:

While performing duties of this job, you may be required to stand, sit in a stationary position 50% of the time, alternate between sitting and standing, push/pull as necessary, reach overhead or below shoulder level, kneel, squat, or stoop.

May be required on occasion to lift and carry items such as files, documents, or small packages, typically up to 10 -20 pounds.

Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.

Close visual acuity to perform activities such as reading, analyzing data, and working on a computer.

We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that diversity strengthens our ability to reach our goals, enhances our reputation, and helps us attract, engage, and retain great people.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.

Our values - People, Safety, Trust, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage - reflect our ongoing commitment to equal opportunities and an inclusive culture.