Project Financing, Cost Planning & Controlling Specialist _Job at Kerchanshe Group, Ethiopia

– The Project Financing, Cost Planning and Controlling Specialist within a Corporate PMO ensures and secure appropriate funding sources, financial accuracy, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation across a project portfolio. Key duties include budget development, cash flow forecasting, cost control, variance analysis, financial reporting, and implementing project cost systems.

Job purpose

– To lead and manage project financing coordination, cost planning, budgeting, and financial control across the project portfolio, ensuring optimal resource utilization, financial discipline, and alignment with corporate strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities :-

Project Financing & Funding Management

• Identify, evaluate, and secure appropriate funding sources (banks, DFIs, equity partners, internal financing) for all priority projects
• Lead the preparation of bankable documentation including feasibility studies, financial models, and investment memoranda
• Coordinate end-to-end financing processes from application to financial close
• Ensure timely availability of funds aligned with project cash flow requirements
• Establish and maintain relationships with financial institutions, investors, and strategic partners
• Monitor compliance with loan covenants and financing conditions
• Support structuring of optimal financing mix (debt vs. equity) to minimize cost of capital
• Track and manage drawdown schedules and fund utilization across projects

Project Financing & Investment Support

• Coordinate with finance institutions and stakeholders for project financing
• Prepare and review feasibility studies and financial models
• Ensure availability of priced BoQs and CAPEX estimates
• Support negotiations with lenders and investors

Cost Planning & Budgeting

• Develop project cost estimates
• Manage CAPEX and OPEX budgets
• Establish cost baselines and cash flow projections

Cost Control & Monitoring

• Track expenditures vs budgets
• Monitor cost variance and forecasts
• Identify risks and recommend corrective actions

Portfolio Financial Governance

• Identify, evaluate, and secure appropriate funding sources
• Establish cost control frameworks and reporting systems
• Provide portfolio-level financial insights

Reporting & Decision Support

• Prepare monthly financial reports
• Support investment decision-making

Contract & Commercial Support

• Review contracts and validate payments
• Monitor variations and claims

Risk Management

• Identify financial risks and mitigation strategies

Qualification and Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or a related field; CPA/ACCA or Master’s is a plus.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in project financial management, cost controls, or financial analysis, preferably in a corporate environment.
• Experience in feasibility studies and financial modeling

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate financial data to non-financial stakeholders.

Skills

• Technical Skills Advanced Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP), Microsoft Excel, and Project Management software.
• Financial analysis and modeling
• Cost estimation and control
• Strong communication skills

KPIs

• Budget Variance (Actuals vs. Budget).
• Accuracy of Cash Flow Forecasts.
• Timely Reporting of Cost Trends.
• Efficiency of Cost Closure and Asset Capitalization.
• % Of projects with secured funding before execution start
• Timeliness of fund mobilization vs. project schedule
• Cost of capital optimization across the portfolio