Budget Analyst Officer at Sahara Group

Key Responsibilities:

Budgeting & Planning 

• Lead the development and consolidation of annual budgets in collaboration with asset managers, department heads, and project teams.
• Translate operational and project plans into financial budgets, ensuring consistency with corporate objectives.
• Develop and maintain budget models, templates, and guidelines to support accurate planning.

Cost Control & Monitoring

• Implement and oversee detailed cost control systems, tracking actual spend against approved budgets and AFEs (Authorizations for Expenditure).
• Investigate variances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure that all cost data is accurate, timely, and aligned with company accounting policies and JV requirements.

Forecasting & Reporting

• Manage monthly and quarterly expenditure re-forecasting, providing early warning of potential overruns or underspending.
• Prepare and deliver timely cost performance reports and dashboards for senior management.
• Support decision-making by providing actionable insights on expenditure trends, cost efficiency, and resource utilization.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with project managers and asset teams to monitor project expenditures and improve financial accountability.
• Liaise with JV finance, auditors, and regulatory bodies to support transparent reporting and compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to non-finance staff on cost control principles and practices.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Continuously improve budgeting, forecasting, and cost reporting processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Leverage ERP systems and analytical tools to enhance data accuracy and reporting efficiency.
• Promote standardization and best practices across cost management processes.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge, experience and proficiency demonstrated in all the activities described above. 
• Proficient in financial modeling, cost management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and MS Excel.
• Strong knowledge of upstream oil & gas project economics, AFEs, and cost control frameworks.
• Ability to present complex financial data in clear, actionable insights for decision-making.
• Familiarity with IFRS/GAAP and JV accounting practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Minimum Qualification / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or PMP are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in budgeting, cost control, or financial management within the oil and gas industry.