The Role
Plan, implement, and monitor cost-control systems and policies; lead budget planning and variance analysis; monitor departmental and project spending; perform cost-benefit analyses and recommend savings; support procurement, audits, inventory/asset controls, and financial reporting; provide cost insights for strategic planning, donor projects, and pricing models to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Our Client
Our client is a top business school in Africa, providing academic and executive programmes, specialized seminars, and tailored executive education designed to transform individuals, organizations, and business practices across Africa and internationally.
About the role
The Cost Controller is responsible for planning, developing, monitoring, and optimizing the
institution’s cost and budget control strategies. The role ensures financial efficiency, supports resource allocation, and aligns operational spending with the strategic goals of the school. The Cost Controller will work closely with finance, procurement, academic units, and project teams to ensure robust financial management and cost accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the implementation of cost control systems, procedures, and policies.
- Participate in annual budget planning and mid-year budget reviews with departmental heads.
- Monitor departmental and project expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
- Evaluate and recommend cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or academic integrity.
- Prepare periodic cost reports, forecasts, and variance analysis to aid decision-making.
- Analyse academic and administrative program costs to improve operational efficiency.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses for major purchases, contracts, and new initiatives.
- Report financial performance indicators and KPIs relevant to cost control to management.
- Collaborate with procurement to evaluate supplier contracts, pricing, and cost structures.
- Review and assess purchase requisitions for cost effectiveness and policy compliance.
- Ensure efficient inventory and asset management practices to minimize waste and pilferage.
- Implement and monitor internal controls to prevent cost overruns, misuse, and financial inefficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with institutional financial policies and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal and external audit processes by providing accurate and timely cost-related data.
- Provide cost insights and recommendations for strategic planning and operational improvements.
- Support the financial assessment of strategic partnerships, donor-funded projects, and capital investments.
- Contribute to the development of pricing models for programs, conferences, and other commercial activities.
Requirements
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
- Professional certification (e.g., ICAN, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is required.
- Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in financial planning, cost control, or related roles, preferably in an academic or service-oriented environment.
- Strong experience with ERP systems, budgeting software, and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
- Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy.
- Solid understanding of cost control methodologies and financial reporting.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to interpret data and influence decisions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Integrity, accountability, and ability to work independently and within teams
Benefits
Why you should work for our client
- Positive, serene, and secure work environment that promotes innovation and creativity.
- The work atmosphere is eco-friendly, stimulating, and respectful of all employees.
- Employees enjoy rich training opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Support work-life balance by respecting staff commitments outside work.
- Diversity and inclusion are central to achieving the institution’s mission and goals.
- Equal employment opportunities are offered regardless of background; performance is the only criterion.
- Employee welfare is prioritized to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Investment in professional development of employees nurture talent from within.
- Staff are fairly remunerated based on value, with added benefits like life cover and pensions.
- Joining our workforce is entering a strong, ethical, and like-minded professional community.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
- Professional certification (ICAN, ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Minimum 5-7 years' experience in financial planning, cost control, or related roles
- Strong experience with ERP systems
- Experience with budgeting software
- Advanced Excel skills
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Solid understanding of cost control methodologies and financial reporting
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Integrity, accountability, and ability to work independently and in teams
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The Company
What We Do
Lopterra Services Limited is a professional services firm providing a unique blend of safety, management systems training, consultancy, and HR and staffing services across Africa. Based in South Africa and Nigeria, they specialize in high-quality Human Resources and professional development training to help businesses achieve their objectives and maximize their potential through innovative and reliable business solutions.
