Cost Controller

Background to LUPD

LUPD is a national non-governmental organization. LUPD is committed to advocating for a society built on principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and solidarity. LUPD work is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Respect for difference, dignity and autonomy, and respect for person’s capacities / Accessibility / Non-discrimination / Participation and inclusion / Equal opportunities for women, men and everybody. LUPD was keen on gender in its training programs, outreach, rehabilitation, employment and follow-up projects that we have carried out for the past three decades. The percentage of females exceeds males by a slight difference in total (54% females, 46% males), even though Females with disabilities are more likely to be marginalized by the family, the local environment and society, which required greater efforts by the implementing program teams, in addition to mitigating violence against WGwDs. The multiple crises in Lebanon have aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities and a challenging humanitarian situation for the most vulnerable Lebanese, as well as for different refugees in Lebanon, and for migrant workers. Consequently, they disproportionately affect people with disabilities. LUPD’s programs have responded, providing emergency relief and rehabilitation for refugees, promoting inclusive, accessible schools and access to employment, engaging people with disabilities in local decision-making and monitoring progress on disability rights across the country.

Access Kitchen is a pioneering initiative in Lebanon, established and managed by the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD). It is the first community kitchen in the country led and run entirely by persons with disabilities.

Located in the Mar Mikhael area of Beirut, Access Kitchen was launched in response to the urgent need for inclusive economic opportunities in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. The initiative serves as both a livelihood project and a model of social inclusion, addressing the intersecting challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Lebanon.

The kitchen currently offers income-generating activities to individuals, many of whom are persons with disabilities or caregivers of family members with disabilities. Beyond providing dignified work, Access Kitchen plays a crucial role in supporting the local community by preparing and distributing hot meals daily to vulnerable individuals in surrounding neighborhoods.

More than just a food production space, Access Kitchen is a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment where people come together to share their skills, experiences, and solidarity. It promotes economic empowerment, community engagement, and advocacy for disability rights, aligning with LUPD’s broader mission to build a more inclusive and accessible society.

Access Kitchen stands as a practical and scalable model of inclusive community development, demonstrating how disability-inclusive approaches can foster resilience, dignity, and social cohesion, particularly in times of crisis.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the daily operational costs of the three Access Kitchens in Beirut, Zahle, and Saida.
• Ensure kitchen expenditures remain within approved budget limits and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Prepare detailed monthly cost reports, including kitchen-level variance analyses and actionable financial insights for management.
• Collaborate with the procurement and logistics teams to track inventory movement, validate purchase orders, and control pricing from suppliers.
• Monitor the consumption rates of food and non-food items, compare them with standard usage benchmarks, and recommend adjustments to minimize waste and enhance cost efficiency.
• Review, verify, and reconcile all kitchen-related expenses, ensuring proper documentation, accuracy, and transparency in all financial records.
• Conduct regular field visits to kitchens for physical inventory checks, expenditure validation, and verification of adherence to internal cost control procedures.
• Support the development and monitoring of detailed cost projections and expenditure frameworks for each kitchen as part of the annual budgeting process.
• Ensure that all financial records related to the Access Kitchens are compliant with donor and internal audit requirements, and maintain up-to-date, audit-ready documentation.
• Analyze and report on key cost indicators such as cost per meal, cost per beneficiary, and cost trends across the three kitchens to inform decision-making and improve program efficiency.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a cost control, financial analysis, or accounting role (experience in NGO or hospitality sector is a plus).
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with inventory management and procurement processes.
• Excellent proficiency in MS Excel; experience with accounting software
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to Zahle and Saida.
• Fluency in Arabic and proficiency in English required.