Project Cost & Budgeting Controller(12 Month Contract)

At Terracotta – Driving Business Growth in Recruitment, Outsourcing & Corporate ServicesWe are a leading outsourcing company in the UAE, delivering recruitment, manpower, visa outsourcing, EOR/PEO, business setup, PRO services, and corporate solutions across the region.We are currently hiring an experienced Project Cost & Budgeting Controller to support one of our key clients within the power and utilities sector in Abu Dhabi on a 12-month contract.The ideal candidate will have strong experience in project cost control, budgeting, accruals, contract financial management, invoicing, and project cost reporting. This is a hands-on role supporting the financial control of a portfolio of approximately 25–30 projects, working closely with Finance, Project Management, Procurement, Accounts Payable, contractors, and suppliers.Position: Project Cost & Budgeting ControllerLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAE – OnsiteEmployment: 12-Month ContractKey ResponsibilitiesProject Cost Control & BudgetingMonitor project expenditure against approved budgets, forecasts, and commitmentsTrack actual spend, outstanding commitments, liabilities, and forecast costs across multiple projectsMaintain project cost trackers and provide bi-weekly cost and budget reportingAnalyse budget variances and identify potential cost overrunsSupport project forecasting and maintain visibility over upcoming financial commitmentsAccruals & Financial ControlPrepare and maintain monthly accrual schedules across project contracts and suppliersWork with Project Managers and contract owners to identify costs incurred but not yet invoicedReconcile accrual balances against subsequent invoices and paymentsSupport month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close activitiesEnsure accurate and timely recording of project-related costsContracts, Invoicing & PaymentsMaintain financial oversight of project contracts, including contract values, amendments, commitments, milestones, and outstanding obligationsMonitor activities and deliverables against contractual and budget requirementsReview contractor and supplier invoices against contracts, purchase orders, and approved deliverablesCoordinate with Accounts Payable to ensure invoices are processed and paid on timeTrack outstanding invoices and support the resolution of payment-related issuesMonitor upcoming payment obligations to support project cash-flow planningProcurement & Stakeholder SupportSupport purchase requisitions, purchase orders, tender evaluations, and other procurement activitiesEnsure procurement commitments remain aligned with approved project budgetsWork closely with Finance, Project Management, Procurement, contractors, and suppliersMaintain accurate financial, procurement, and contractual documentation for audit and compliance purposesQualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related fieldApproximately 4–8 years of relevant experience in project cost control, project finance, project accounting, budgeting, procurement finance, or cost managementStrong hands-on experience with project budgets, cost tracking, commitments, forecasting, and variance analysisPractical experience with accrual accounting and financial close activitiesExperience managing contracts, contractor invoices, payment tracking, and financial obligationsStrong Microsoft Excel and analytical skillsExperience with SAP, Oracle, or a similar ERP system is preferredExperience within power, utilities, energy, EPC, infrastructure, engineering, or construction is desirable; candidates from other project-intensive industries will also be consideredDemonstrated ability to manage the financial control of multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong stakeholder management, communication, and organizational skillsCurrently based in the UAE with immediate or short-notice availability preferred