Regional Cost Controller

About Pacific International Lines

With a legacy spanning over 55 years, Pacific International Lines (PIL) stands as a global leader in the shipping sector. Headquartered in Singapore, PIL manages operations across more than 500 locations in 90 countries, delivering local expertise with international reach. The company is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and creating impactful maritime solutions.

Position Overview

We are recruiting a Regional Cost Controller for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, responsible for enhancing cost transparency, enforcing financial discipline, and boosting operational efficiency within the Middle East and Africa region. This role involves rigorous monitoring and analysis of operational expenditures and collaboration with finance and business units to improve profitability and performance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage costs related to operations, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and administration across all countries within the MEA region.
• Aggregate, verify, and consolidate monthly cost data from country-level finance teams.
• Conduct variance analysis comparing budget, forecast, and past year results; identify causes and recommend improvements.
• Review and validate cost assumptions and analyses from various country teams to maintain accuracy and consistency.
• Lead regional benchmarking efforts to discover cost optimization strategies and best practices.
• Track the progress of cost-saving initiatives and quantify savings against targets.
• Develop comprehensive regional cost performance dashboards and reports for leadership review.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to formulate corrective action plans for cost enhancements.

• Ensure reliability and uniformity of cost-related financial information across agencies.
• Analyze financial trends related to operational and logistics expenses, providing valuable insights.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and planning activities pertinent to regional cost management.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and suggest decision-support recommendations.
• Prepare specialized financial reports and analyses to assist strategic and operational projects.
• Facilitate regional management reviews through detailed cost and performance documentation.

• Prepare and examine journal entries in compliance with accounting standards.
• Manage account reconciliations and contribute to month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Ensure proper accounting treatments for operating costs and allocations.
• Maintain adherence to accounting policies, company rules, and internal procedures.
• Engage in initiatives to improve reporting processes and enhance financial systems.
• Work towards standardizing regional cost reporting formats and practices.

• Support compliance with financial policies, governance frameworks, and internal controls.
• Maintain complete documentation and audit trails related to cost reporting and approvals.
• Assist internal and external audit processes by preparing documents and addressing queries.
• Implement audit recommendations linked to cost management and finance operations.
• Coordinate with relevant parties to uphold regulatory and corporate compliance.
• Contribute to finance governance, risk control, and compliance initiatives in the region.

• Collaborate closely with finance teams and operational leaders to cultivate cost consciousness.
• Standardize cost reporting templates, key performance indicators, and monitoring approaches regionally.
• Build and maintain dashboards and analytical tools to enhance reporting effectiveness and decision support.
• Identify areas to streamline financial processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Oversee progress of cost optimization programs and communicate outcomes to management.
• Promote operational efficiency and cost management best practices throughout the region.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a closely related field.
• Five to eight years of experience in areas such as cost control, financial analysis, management accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), finance business partnering, or regional finance roles.
• Hands-on experience working within multi-country or regional finance environments.
• Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost accounting, and applying financial controls.
• Familiarity with ERP software and financial reporting tools.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving aptitude and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to manage priorities efficiently in a fast-paced working environment.

Preferred Attributes

• Strong business acumen with the ability to extract valuable insights from financial data.
• Commercial mindset focused on creating value and enhancing profitability.
• Effective communication and compelling presentation skills.
• Curiosity and proactive identification of process and performance improvements.
• Exceptional collaboration abilities to build relationships across cultures and geographic areas.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join Us

• Work with a prominent global shipping company prioritizing sustainability and innovation.
• Engage in a dynamic and cooperative international work environment.
• Gain exposure to a variety of regional markets and operations spanning multiple countries.
• Opportunities for steady professional development, education, and career progress.
• Contribute directly to impactful initiatives driving operational excellence and business growth.

Application and Eligibility

This role is available to Saudi Arabian nationals or individuals with legal authorization to work in Saudi Arabia. Applications from candidates without valid work permissions will not be considered.

About PIL

Established in 1967, PIL is a top-ranked container shipping line and the largest native carrier in Southeast Asia. The company, along with affiliates Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, serves customers worldwide with an extensive fleet. Beyond liner shipping, PIL is involved in container manufacturing, depot operations, and logistics services. PIL is committed to sustainable shipping practices aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2050 and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.