Cost controller-SENISA

Purpose of the Role

The Cost Controller is a key strategic and operational role within SENISA, responsible for ensuring that the company’s projects and operations are executed within approved budgets and aligned with overall financial goals. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Cost Controller leads the preparation of project and operational budgets, ensures contract scopes reflect project requirements, and verifies compliance of all financial transactions and payments. The role delivers accurate and timely cost analyses, forecasts, and financial reports to guide executive decision-making. The Cost Controller also plays a critical role in identifying financial variances, optimizing cost efficiency, and maintaining adherence to internal financial procedures and controls. Additionally, the Cost Controller supports the General Manager with various administrative and organizational duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

Includes but not limited to:
•    Budget Development and Oversight: Lead the preparation, coordination, and consolidation of annual and project-specific budgets, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, contract scopes, and corporate strategies.
•    Cost Monitoring and Control: Track and reconcile actual project and operational expenditures against approved budgets; identify deviations and discrepancies and propose corrective actions proactively.
•    Forecasting and Financial Planning: Develop, maintain and update cost forecasts and financial plans based on actual performance, commitments, and changes in project scope.
•    Variance Analysis: Conduct in-depth variance analysis, financial reviews, and cost performance evaluations; provide detailed insights, reports and recommendations to senior management to support decision-making.
•    Executive Reporting: Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports, including cost-to-complete and cost-at-completion summaries, for senior leadership and stakeholders.
•    Procedural Compliance and Governance: Ensure strict adherence to company financial policies, internal controls, and cost reporting standards and deadlines. Assist in developing and improving financial procedures and cost control processes.
•    Contract and Scope Alignment: Review contract scopes of work in coordination with the contracts and technical teams to ensure alignment with project requirements and budgeted expectations.
•    Contract and Procurement Support: Liaise with procurement and contracts teams to ensure that cost estimates, commitments, and change orders are accurately reflected in budgets and forecasts.
•    Payment and Transaction Compliance: Review all financial transactions, invoices, and payment requests for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and standards and contractual terms.
•    Audit and Risk Support: Provide necessary documentation, reports, and cost justifications during internal or external audits and support the resolution of any audit findings or recommendations.
•    Support to Management: Assist the General Manager with planning, coordination, and administrative functions including reporting, meeting preparation, performance reviews, and documentation.
•    Financial System Oversight: Coordinate with finance, procurement, operations, and technical teams to ensure accurate financial data input and reporting into company financial systems.

Education and Experience

Mandatory skills and requirements for this position:
Education and Experience:
•    Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Economics, Project Management, or a closely related field.
•    At least 5 years of progressive experience in cost control, financial planning, or project finance, preferably within the mining, construction, or heavy industrial sectors.
•    Minimum of 3 years of direct experience preparing executive-level financial reports and cost analyses for senior management and executive leadership.
•    Proven experience working in cross-functional teams in project-based or operational site environments.
•    Professional certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is an asset.
•    Professional certification in Finance or Cost Management (e.g., CMA, CCA, or equivalent) is strongly desirable. 
Technical Skills:
•    Advanced knowledge of budgeting methodologies, cost control practices, forecasting techniques, and cost reporting standards, with a strong ability to apply them in both project and operational settings.
•    Proven experience in contract administration, procurement processes, and change order management, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency across project lifecycles.
•    Deep understanding of CAPEX and OPEX management, ideally within the mining or heavy industrial sectors, including lifecycle planning, tracking, and variance analysis.
•    JD Edwards (JDE): Strong hands-on experience in using JDE for cost tracking, budget monitoring, and financial data extraction.
•    ReportsNow (Data Access Studio): Skilled in building, updating, and distributing cost performance reports and dashboards based on JDE data.
•    OneStream: Proficient in using OneStream for financial consolidation, planning, forecasting, and executive-level reporting.
•    Power BI: Capable of designing and delivering interactive dashboards and visual analytics to support performance tracking and decision-making.
•    Microsoft Excel (Advanced): Expert-level proficiency in formulas, pivot tables, data modeling, and dynamic charting for robust cost and financial analysis.
•    Executive presentation skills: Proficient in using PowerPoint and integrated data tools (Power BI, Excel, ReportsNow) to create and deliver clear, concise, and compelling presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership and Communication:
•    Professional fluency in English and French is required.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and data accuracy
•    Ability to present complex cost data and financial analysis clearly to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders and support cost-conscious decision-making.
•    Skilled in summarizing key insights, risks, and cost drivers for decision-making at the executive level
•    Effective time management skills and ability to manage and prioritize work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven dynamic environment.
Organizational Fit and Integrity:
•    Demonstrated integrity, reliability, and discretion in handling sensitive financial information.
•    Committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and accountability.