Project Cost Controller

Title: Manager-Cost Control

Reports to: Head of Finance

Location: Gurgaon (Onsite)

Job Description:

• Ascentis is an international project management consultancy, focused on hospitality and commercial developments across South Asia and East Africa. Founded in 2007, our team works alongside world-class developers and hotel operators to deliver exceptional outcomes on complex, high-value projects. Our success is built on clear thinking, decisive leadership, and a collaborative, people-first approach. We are now seeking a capable, hands-on Cost Controller to strengthen our finance function and uphold our commitment to performance and precision.
• Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will primarily focus on project and cost control. The role will ensure accurate and timely reporting of project budgets, projects costs, resource allocation, timesheets and billing rates.
• As Cost Controller, you will be responsible for monitoring and controlling project budgets across multiple concurrent projects by closely tracking staff deployment, resource utilization, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will ensure budgetary compliance, forecast accuracy, and support decision-making through detailed cost analysis.
• As an ideal candidate, you will have significant experience in cost accounting, timesheet and rate management, budgeting, and exposure to international taxation and cross-border transactions.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Budget Management:

• Develop, monitor, and control project budgets in collaboration with project managers.
• Track actual project costs versus budgets, particularly staff time allocation and related expenses.
• Identify variances, trends, and potential overruns; propose corrective actions proactively.

Resource Utilization:

• Maintain real-time visibility of staff deployment across projects.
• Collaborate with HR and project leads to track man-hours and ensure efficient resource usage.
• Support project scheduling with cost-efficiency insights.

Cost Reporting & Forecasting:

• Prepare weekly/monthly project cost reports with variance analysis and commentary.
• Provide cost insights to senior leadership for resource planning and profitability analysis.

Process & Compliance:

• Establish cost control systems, procedures, and reporting formats.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and client-specific budgetary requirements.
• Conduct cost audits and internal reviews to validate expense accuracy.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Act as a liaison between the finance team and project managers.
• Contribute to project review meetings with detailed cost performance data.

Other Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Finance in group-level reporting and forecasting, integrating project financials into broader business plans.
• Contribute to international tax matters, inter-company transactions, and the optimisation of cross-border project flows.
• Assist with client-facing reporting requirements, including detailed cost reports and reconciliations.
• Champion strong internal controls and promote financial discipline within project teams.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CMA, CA or MBA, is a plus.
• 8–10 years of experience in cost control, preferably in a project-based or consulting environment.
• Strong understanding of project accounting, time tracking, and resource management systems.
• Proficient in MS Excel; experience with ERP/project management tools.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• High level of initiative and problem-solving ability.
• Team player with effective collaboration skills.
• Business acumen with a focus on cost efficiency.