Main purpose
Lead the operational execution of Trafigura's overhead and indirect Global Cost Management team(GCM), ensuring rigorous budgeting rigor, accurate forecasting, and transparent cost allocation to profit centres across the business.
Key responsibilities
Budget & Forecast Management
Implement quarterly rolling forecast cycles for all overhead cost categories
Coordinate annual zero-based budgeting exercises, challenging historical spend patterns and driving cost justification from budget holders
Maintain detailed budget models with granular cost centre and GL account level tracking
Produce variance analysis reports (actual vs budget vs forecast) with clear commentary on drivers and corrective actions
Overhead Allocation & Reporting
Design and maintain allocation methodologies for shared services and corporate costs to profit centres using appropriate drivers (headcount, revenue, assets, etc.)
Implement monthly allocation runs and reconcile
Produce management reporting packs showing overhead costs by function, region, and profit centre
Support profit centre P&L owners in understanding their allocated overhead charges
Process & Controls
Own the end-to-end overhead budgeting and forecasting calendar, ensuring timely delivery
Establish and enforce budget submission templates, approval workflows, and data quality standards
Maintain the overhead cost hierarchy and chart of accounts structure
Implement controls to prevent budget overruns and ensure proper authorisation of expenditure
Stakeholder Management
Partner with functional heads (HR, IT, Legal, Compliance, Operations) to understand cost drivers and forecast requirements
Conduct monthly business review meetings with budget holders to track performance
Provide training and guidance to non-finance stakeholders on budgeting tools and processes
Analysis & Insights
Identify cost optimization opportunities and efficiency improvements across overhead base
Benchmark overhead ratios against industry standards and peer companies
Analyse headcount-to-cost relationships and productivity metrics
Support business case development for new overhead investments
Required qualifications
5-7 years in FP&A, management accounting, or financial controlling roles
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
Demonstrated experience establishing or significantly improving budgeting processes
Track record of implementing zero-based budgeting or similar cost management initiatives
Experience with overhead allocation methodologies in multi-entity organizations
Background in fast-paced, matrix organizations
Preferred qualifications
Experience in commodities trading, financial services, or multinational corporations
Exposure to Big 4 consulting or internal transformation projects
Professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CPA) or working towards
Advanced training in financial modeling or FP&A standards (desirable)
Previous role implementing new EPM/planning systems
Experience managing small teams or leading cross-functional projects
Attributes for success
Technical Competencies
Advanced Excel/Financial Modelling: Complex formulas, pivot tables, macros, scenario modelling
ERP Systems: Strong experience with Oracle and OneStream (preferred)
Planning Tools: Proficiency in Anaplan, Adaptive Insights, Hyperion, or similar EPM platforms
Data Management: Ability to work with large datasets, perform data validation and reconciliation
Allocation Methodologies: Deep understanding of cost allocation principles and driver-based modelling
Analytical Capabilities
Strong numerical reasoning and attention to detail
Ability to identify trends, anomalies, and root causes in financial data
Critical thinking to challenge assumptions and validate forecasts
Comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced trading environment
Process & Execution
Proven track record of implementing and improving FP&A processes from scratch
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
Deadline-driven with ability to deliver accurate results under time pressure
Process documentation and continuous improvement attitude
Communication & Influence
Ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-finance audiences
Confident in challenging senior stakeholders on budget requests
Clear and concise written communication for management reporting
Presentation skills for budget review meetings and steering committees
Business Acumen
Understanding of commodities trading business model (desirable)
Commercial awareness of how overhead costs impact profit centre economics
Appreciation of regulatory and compliance cost drivers in financial services
Knowledge of shared services operating models
Success Metrics (First 12 Months)
Successful delivery of 4 quarterly rolling forecasts with <5% variance to actuals
Implementation of zero-based budgeting for next annual cycle
Overhead allocation model operational with monthly reporting to profit centres
Budget holder satisfaction score >80% on process efficiency
Tracking of cost optimization opportunities
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.
