Regional Cost Controller

About Pacific International Lines (PTE)

Pacific International Lines (PTE) is a global leader in the shipping industry, with over 55 years of experience. Headquartered in Singapore, the company provides services in over 500 locations across 90 countries. PIL is committed to driving innovation and sustainable shipping solutions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Regional Cost Controller to join our team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is central to driving cost transparency, financial discipline, and operational efficiency across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The successful candidate will play a key role in monitoring and analyzing operational costs, supporting strategic decision-making, and strengthening financial controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and control operational, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and administrative costs across all countries within the region.
• Collect, consolidate, and validate monthly cost data from country finance teams, performing detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.
• Investigate significant cost fluctuations, identify root causes, risks, and opportunities, and review cost assumptions submitted by country teams for accuracy.
• Drive regional benchmarking initiatives to identify cost optimization opportunities and best practices, monitoring cost-saving initiatives and tracking achievements.
• Prepare regional cost performance dashboards, reports, and presentations for management and leadership reviews, partnering with stakeholders to develop corrective action plans.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of cost-related financial information, providing insights on operational and logistics cost trends.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and planning activities related to regional cost structures, identifying risks and opportunities to support business decisions.
• Prepare and review journal entries, perform account reconciliations, and support month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment of operating expenses and cost allocations, supporting compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Support adherence to financial policies, governance requirements, and internal control frameworks, maintaining proper documentation and audit trails.
• Assist in internal and external audits by preparing supporting documentation and responding to requests, and implementing audit recommendations.
• Partner with country finance teams and operational leaders to foster a culture of cost awareness and accountability.
• Drive the standardization of cost reporting templates, KPIs, and performance monitoring methodologies across the region.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in Cost Control, Financial Analysis, Management Accounting, FP&A, Finance Business Partnering, or Regional Finance roles.
• Experience working in a regional or multi-country environment.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost accounting, and financial controls.
• Experience using ERP systems and financial reporting tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.