Analyst - Cost Management

Job Title: Analyst - Cost Management (Contractor) Location: Qatar Duration: 12+ Months

Job Summary

The Cost Management Analyst will be responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and managing organizational costs to ensure financial efficiency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational policies. The role will support financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost reporting, inventory analysis, and cost optimization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the focal point for all cost management-related matters within the assigned function.
• Monitor, track, and manage daily cost management activities and periodic deliverables.
• Coordinate regularly with the Head of Section and Finance Controlling Manager to provide updates on cost management activities and progress.
• Prepare the annual financial cost management plan, financial models, and supporting analysis.
• Develop and maintain procedures for the cost management function.
• Contribute to the development of guidelines and frameworks for cost planning, budgeting, and financial modelling.
• Develop an integrated process covering financial planning, annual cost budgeting, and consolidated Group, parent, and subsidiary cost budgets.
• Analyze historical and forward-looking cost and inventory balances to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Coordinate budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities while ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality of financial information.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on cost objectives, assumptions, targets, and performance expectations.
• Provide cost planning, budgeting, and cost reporting support to management and key stakeholders.
• Conduct ad hoc cost analysis and prepare reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate with various departments and sections to obtain required inputs for cost budget preparation.
• Prepare monthly cost analysis against budget, identify gaps to potential, and provide detailed cost reports.
• Conduct inventory trend analysis and monitor monthly cost and inventory KPIs.
• Lead monthly cost and inventory review meetings with key stakeholders and managers.
• Challenge cost variances, identify root causes, and provide gap analysis and corrective recommendations.
• Drive and monitor cash preservation and cost optimization initiatives.
• Coordinate internal and external benchmarking exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities and performance gaps.
• Ensure cost management activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies, and financial controls.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in cost management, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), budgeting, management accounting, or financial controlling.
• Strong experience in cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and management reporting.
• Hands on experience with cost and inventory analysis, variance analysis, and KPI reporting.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting cycles, and cost control processes.
• Experience preparing and analyzing consolidated budgets across multiple entities or business units.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to identify cost optimization opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross functional coordination skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to present financial insights to management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modelling; experience with ERP/financial reporting systems is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a structured financial environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, financial controls, and compliance.