The Cost Controller is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and controlling operational costs to ensure financial efficiency and profitability. The role oversees inventory management, cost analysis, purchasing controls, stock reconciliation, and financial reporting related to food, beverage, materials, and operational expenses. The Cost Controller works closely with Finance, Purchasing, Stores, Kitchen, and Operations teams to maintain accurate cost records, identify variances, and implement effective cost-control measures.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control & Financial Analysis

• Monitor and analyze food, beverage, and operational costs to ensure alignment with budgeted targets.

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly cost reports for management review.

• Analyze cost variances and investigate discrepancies between actual and expected costs.

• Monitor pricing, consumption trends, and operational expenses.

• Recommend corrective actions to improve cost efficiency and profitability.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.

Inventory Management & Stock Control

• Monitor inventory levels and ensure accurate stock records are maintained.

• Conduct regular inventory counts and stock audits.

• Reconcile physical inventory against system records and investigate variances.

• Monitor stock movement, consumption patterns, and inventory turnover.

• Ensure proper inventory valuation methods are applied.

• Coordinate monthly closing inventory processes.

Purchasing & Receiving Controls

• Review purchase requests, purchase orders, and supplier invoices for accuracy.

• Ensure purchased items comply with approved specifications and pricing agreements.

• Monitor receiving procedures and verify quantities, quality, and documentation.

• Identify purchasing irregularities and report concerns to management.

• Support supplier performance evaluations and cost-saving initiatives.

Food & Beverage Cost Control

• Monitor food and beverage costs and ensure compliance with established targets.

• Review recipes, menu costing, and portion control standards.

• Conduct yield tests and cost analyses on food and beverage items.

• Verify transfers, issues, and consumption reports.

• Assist departments in identifying opportunities to reduce waste and improve profitability.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare cost analysis reports, inventory reports, variance reports, and management summaries.

• Maintain accurate records of inventory transactions and cost-control activities.

• Support month-end and year-end financial closing activities.

• Provide financial data and analysis to support management decision-making.

• Ensure documentation is properly maintained for audit purposes.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with company financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Monitor adherence to inventory, purchasing, and receiving procedures.

• Participate in internal and external audits.

• Ensure proper documentation and authorization of financial transactions.

• Identify and report control weaknesses, risks, and irregularities.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize inventory and financial management systems effectively.

• Recommend process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and cost control.

• Support implementation of cost-control initiatives and best practices.

• Assist in developing policies and procedures related to inventory and cost management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.

• Professional certifications such as CMA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent are considered an advantage.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Cost Control, Inventory Management, Finance, or Accounting.

• Experience in hotels, hospitality, food & beverage operations, restaurants, or similar industries is highly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and financial reporting.

• Experience with ERP systems, inventory management systems, and Microsoft Excel.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Good command of English; Arabic is an advantage.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet reporting deadlines.

• For expatriate candidates, a valid transferable Iqama is preferred.