Hybrid Senior Cost Controlling Associate bei Genser Energy

SENIOR COST CONTROLLING ASSOCIATE

Subsidiary: Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL) 

Division / Department: Finance (FIN) / Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) 

Location: Corporate Office (Accra, Takoradi, Tarkwa), Ghana (West Africa) 

Designation Level: Functional Head 

Reports Directly to: Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager 

OBJECTIVE: The Senior Cost Controlling Associate will be responsible for overseeing cost control activities and ensuring the implementation and maintenance of robust cost management systems across our operations and production plants. This role is critical in supporting financial efficiency and driving cost optimization initiatives. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in manufacturing to effectively track and analyze key cost components, including gas procurement, NGL/LPG production expenses, and maintenance costs.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

COST CONTROL: 

• Monitor and track actual expenditures across all plant cost centres (e.g., reception, dehydration, compression, cryogenic, storage). 

• Analyse and report key cost drivers including fuel gas, chemicals, utilities, maintenance, and contractor services. 

• Develop cost-per-unit insights (e.g., $/MMBtu processed, $/ton LPG) to support profitability, variance analysis, and operational decision-making. 

• Prepare and present monthly cost performance dashboards highlighting variances, root causes, and recommended corrective actions. 

• Lead the development and periodic revision of OPEX and CAPEX budgets in collaboration with FP&A Manager. 

• Build cost assumptions and rolling forecasts aligned with plant utilization, production targets, and external market inputs (e.g., gas prices, inflation). 

• Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for cost-impact assessments related to production changes, shutdowns, or strategic decisions. 

• Track and control capital project costs and commitments against approved budgets. 

• Partner with engineering, procurement, and project teams to validate milestone claims, assess cost-to-complete, and ensure timely capitalization. 

• Identify cost-saving opportunities across operations through benchmarking, process analysis, and collaboration with plant teams. 

• Support lean initiatives, value engineering reviews, and cost-reduction programs aimed at enhancing operational and financial efficiency. 

• Act as a partner to operations and maintenance leads, promoting cost accountability and performance improvement. 

• Ensure compliance with internal cost control policies, financial reporting standards, and local regulatory requirements. 

• Strengthen internal controls related to cost recognition, accruals, and budget approvals. 

• Facilitate internal and external audits through timely and accurate documentation of costs and project expenditures. 

• Leverage ERP systems (i.e, Sage X3) and budgeting tools for real-time cost tracking, reporting, and variance analysis. 

• Build and maintain dynamic financial models and Power BI dashboards to enhance cost visibility for both plant and corporate stakeholders. 

• Drive automation and standardization of cost reporting processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. 

• Provide cost inputs for business cases, tolling agreements, or new commercial arrangements (e.g., third-party gas processing). 

• Participate in the financial evaluation of shutdowns, expansions, or optimization studies. 

BUDGETING 

• Actively assist the Department Head with the preparation of the monthly budget.  

• Develop and manage all budget items, including cost control and expenditure forecasting. 

• Ensure the budget is in line with the department’s scheduled activities. 

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

• Supervise the team to execute assigned projects within deadlines and budget.  

• Carry out performance appraisals and development plans with subordinate staff.  

• Coordinate the leave schedule of subordinate staff.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering or related field is mandatory. 

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business
  or Engineering is a plus. 

• Multicultural experience is mandatory. 

• Proficiency in French is a plus. 

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: 

• A minimum of 8+ years of experience in a similar role, within the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Manufacturing, or Heavy Industrial sectors. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). 

• Proficiency
  with financial software (e.g., SAP, Sage). 

• Deep understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and cost allocation. 

• Ability to analyze cost data and prepare insightful reports to support decision-making. 

• Precision in tracking costs and identifying discrepancies or inefficiencies. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Strategic Vision: Drive projects towards improving efficiencies based on processes and procedures. 

• Efficient Project Management: Contribute to projects aimed at improving efficiencies through effective processes and procedures. 

• Strong Leadership: Capable of addressing technical, financial, and HR challenges in a dynamic work environment. 

• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust work practices to achieve the best results. 

• Effective Communication: Communicate clearly and consistently; be a good listener and negotiator. 

• Diligent Work Ethic: Manage multiple projects and ensure timely delivery of results. 

• Commitment to Development: Take responsibility for personal growth and the training of team members. 

• Efficiency Improvement: Navigate challenges and enhance efficiency through the use of technology. 

• Organizational Skills: Strong planning, organizational, and time management abilities, with a knack for coordinating activities across different areas.