Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit the company’s new website at: http://www.WabtecCorp.com.

It’s not just about your career… or your job title…it’s about who you are and the impact you are going to make on the world. Do you want to go into uncharted waters…do things that haven’t been done to make yours and someone else's life better? Wabtec has been doing that for decades and we will continue to do so! Through our people, leadership development, services, technology and scale, Wabtec delivers better outcomes for global customers by speaking the language of industry.

Lead Project Cost Controller – Wabtec Freight Services South Africa

Fixed Term Contract - Till the end of 2025

Who will you be working with?

Here, you will interact daily with project managers, services teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure the financial success and operational efficiency of our projects.

How will you make a difference?

As a member of the Wabtec Freight Services team, you will be responsible for the overall operational finance execution of long-term projects and maintenance service agreements. This includes budgeting, forecasting, controllership, and reporting. You will serve as the finance business partner to the project management and services management teams, playing a critical role in the delivery of customer projects and driving profitable growth of Wabtec’s Freight Services contracts in the region.

What do we want to know about you?

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Accounting or Finance.7 - 10 years of experience in core Finance roles, including project financial management (budgeting, forecasting, FP&A, operational project finance, controllership, reporting).Understanding of industrial project and after-sales services industries and markets, including turnkey project execution and long-term services contracts.Presentation and communication skills, fluent in English (writing, reading, speaking, listening), with advanced PowerPoint presentation skills.Strong project management leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Knowledge and preferably previous experience working with US GAAP and local Statutory Standards.Legal authorization to work in South Africa.

Desired Characteristics:

CA(SA) certified or similar Certified Public Accountant qualification (ACCA, CIMA, MBA).Previous work experience in a multi-national matrixed organization (divisions/P&L’s, functions, regions, and shared services).Previous experience working with Oracle and HFM ERP systems from planning, execution, and reporting.Previous experience leading or working in shared services supporting multiple operations.Strong oral, written, and presentation communication skills.Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

What will your typical day look like?

Lead the development, planning, forecasting, and controlling of project budgets in collaboration with the core project team and supporting functions.Oversee project structuring and setup to ensure cost-effective and seamless execution.Track, review, and report on project financial performance monthly, ensuring completeness and accuracy.Review and analyze project-related balance sheet accounts for accuracy and valuation.Prepare and lead business management project reviews, presenting transparent financial performance and identifying risks and opportunities.Collaborate with shared services to ensure timely and accurate project invoicing, customer collections, and supplier payments.Manage customer variation/change order processes and ensure appropriate controllership.Review and validate customer claims against contractual commitments and support negotiations and settlements.Manage annual price escalations, FX exposure risks, and project-related securities in collaboration with Corporate Treasury.Coordinate intercompany project transactions and ensure on-time settlements.Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close and reporting processes for project and maintenance service agreement financials.Collaborate with other functions and third-party service providers to ensure proactive financial execution and reporting.

Successful candidates will be employed under local employment conditions and must already satisfy local employment/work permit and residency regulations.

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Wabtec Corporation is committed to taking on the world’s toughest challenges. In order to fulfill that commitment we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity and inclusiveness. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences and styles…people like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.