Senior Analyst: Project Cost Controller

About the Company

Since its establishment in 2008, Mulilo has grown into one of the leading Independent Power Producers (IPP) in Southern Africa. Mulilo is majority owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the world's leading private equity investor in renewable energy assets, through its New Markets Fund I. Mulilo has concluded numerous PPA's in both the Department of Mineral Energy's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) and with several large corporate energy users. Mulilo currently operates 450MW of wind and solar PV projects and has a further 500MW of projects under financial close. Having adopted a strategy that aligns with the company's long-term vision, Mulilo has accumulated a pipeline of projects exceeding 25GW, and is now positioned as a key player in the renewable energy sector. 

Mulilo places strong emphasis on its human capital and prides itself in providing a world class working environment for all its employees, thereby placing huge value on career progression and personal growth. 

Mulilo is guided by strong ethical principles and adheres to its environmental, social and governance responsibilities.  

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) 

Founded in 2012, CIP is the world's largest dedicated renewable energy fund manager and a global leader in offshore wind. CIP currently manages over 30 billion Euro's, with a target of having 100 billion Euros under management by 2030. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X. 

About this role

As a Project Cost Controller for renewable energy construction projects in South Africa, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of our projects within budgetary constraints. You will work closely with project managers, engineers, procurement specialists, and finance teams to monitor, analyse, and control project costs throughout the project lifecycle. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in South Africa while advancing your career in a dynamic and fast-growing industry.

Duties and responsibilities 

Budget Management

• Develop and maintain project budgets in collaboration with project managers and finance teams.
• Analyse financial data, identify trends and provide insightful recommendations to optimize project performance.

Cost Control

• Implement cost control procedures and tools to ensure adherence to budgetary policies and constraints.
• Review and analyse project cost data, including invoices, contracts, change orders, and procurement activities.
• Monitor project expenses and track budget variances to identify potential cost overruns or savings opportunities.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives and recommend strategies to optimize project costs without compromising quality or timelines.

Forecasting and Analysis

• Prepare accurate forecasts of project costs based on current performance and anticipated future expenditures.
• Conduct financial analysis and risk assessments to identify potential cost impacts and mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams to develop contingency plans and alternative scenarios to address cost uncertainties.

Vendor and Contract Management

• In collaboration with procurement specialists and finance teams,
• Evaluate vendor proposals and negotiate favourable terms and pricing agreements.
• Monitor contractor performance and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Address any discrepancies or disputes related to vendor costs and invoices in a timely manner.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and company policies.
• Prepare financial reports, cost summaries, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in project audits and reviews to validate financial data and controls.

Required skills and education background.

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, or similar. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CMA, CPA, PMP, FMVA) preferred.
• At least 5 years of proven relevant experience in project cost control, preferably in the renewable energy or construction industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and trends.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, ERP systems, PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel (preferably Intermediate to Advanced level).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and precision in financial analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks and industry standards for renewable energy projects is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable attributes

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the Renewable Energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility.

Mulilo is an employer of choice and is offering an extremely competitive total remuneration package for this position.

Additional Information

Able to work overtime according to operational needs.

The position is based at the offices of the company, but travel may be required occasionally.