Are you an analytical and detail-oriented finance professional with a strong background in stock control, inventory management, and cost analysis? Do you enjoy working closely with operational teams to improve efficiencies, reduce wastage, and protect margins?
A leading and established organisation within the hospitality and leisure industry is looking for an experienced Cost Controller to join its finance team. This opportunity is ideal for a commercially minded individual who thrives in an operational environment and enjoys turning data into actionable business insights.
Working across multiple sites and departments, you will play a critical role in managing inventory controls, monitoring food and beverage costs, analysing stock movements, and ensuring that procurement and costing processes align with company profitability objectives. This is a highly visible position that offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on financial performance and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Stock Control

• Manage and monitor inventory processes across multiple locations.
• Conduct regular stock counts, audits, and inventory reconciliations.
• Investigate stock variances and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure accurate tracking of stock movements and transfers.
• Maintain strong inventory controls to minimise losses and improve accountability.

Cost Management & Profitability Analysis

• Monitor food and beverage cost percentages and identify opportunities for margin improvement.
• Maintain and review recipe costing schedules and portion control standards.
• Analyse yield reports, wastage trends, and stock usage variances.
• Assist operational management in improving profitability through effective cost management initiatives.
• Support menu pricing and cost optimisation strategies through detailed costing analysis.

Procurement & Supplier Oversight

• Review supplier deliveries against purchase orders and supporting documentation.
• Verify pricing, quantities, and invoice accuracy.
• Assist in monitoring supplier performance and procurement compliance.
• Support initiatives aimed at improving purchasing efficiencies and reducing costs.

Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly cost control reports.
• Provide detailed variance analysis and operational insights to management.
• Monitor key performance indicators related to stock, procurement, and operational costs.
• Deliver meaningful recommendations to improve efficiency, profitability, and inventory utilisation.

Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with internal control procedures and stock management policies.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory processes and reporting capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency and cost control.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Bookkeeping, Financial Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 2-3 years' experience in a Cost Controller, Stock Controller, Inventory Controller, or operational finance role.
• Proven experience within the hospitality, food and beverage, restaurant, hotel, or related environment is essential.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, food costing, and operational controls.
• Experience analysing stock variances and investigating discrepancies.
• Exposure to procurement and supplier management processes.

Systems & Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working with Micros POS is essential.
• Exposure to Infor HOS, Sage X3, or similar ERP systems will be advantageous.
• Strong reporting and analytical capabilities.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills.
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively with both finance and operational teams.
• The confidence to challenge inconsistencies and drive accountability.
• A passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Why Join This Organisation?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected hospitality brand where finance and operations work hand-in-hand to drive business performance. You'll gain exposure to multiple sites, work closely with operational leadership, and play a key role in safeguarding profitability through effective inventory and cost management.
If you are looking for a role that combines finance, operations, analytics, and commercial impact, we would love to hear from you.

Apply Now!

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www.networkrecruitmentinternational.com

I also specialise in recruiting within:

• CA(SA)
• General Finance

Claire Gill
Recruitment Consultant
? Cgill@networkrecruitment.com
If you have not received a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will remain on our database for consideration for future suitable opportunities.