At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cost assurance reviews and support finance audits across various projects.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in infrastructure and public space development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and a flexible benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital projects that improve lives and communities.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in cost assurance audits are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen to join the Finance team in Power T&D England & Wales, working to assure the costs, financial performance, and communication of issues in a consistent manner. As a Cost Assurance Manager, you will conduct cost assurance reviews, advise on treatments, communicate to the business, and track cost assurance and compliance. You will also support the delivery of finance audits from all aspects, internal, client, external and help refine the cost assurance strategy.
What you'll be doing
- Support in compiling the Audit Scope, arranging initial meetings with Subcontractors and Commercial team to approve scope and timetable of audit.
- Requesting information, based on the Audit Scope, including Purchase Orders, Invoices, proof of payments and any other additional information required from Subcontractors to facilitate the audits and ensure adherence to the contract.
- Analysing large volumes of data, verifying the costs in line with the schedule of cost components aligned to the NEC contracts, highlighting any discrepancies or potential disallowed elements/values.
- Demonstrate a full understanding of the contracts, including the schedule of cost components and able to understand and assess risks associated with it.
- Conducting cost verification deep dives and internal audits across all work packages and providing recommendations to mitigate disallowed risks.
- Visiting external Subcontractor offices to audit Staff and Labour, understanding what is included in the payroll reports and auditing against the Schedule of Cost Components.
- Standardising an approach across all contracts and building a robust process to ensure the processes evolve and improve as more contracts are won.
- Provide necessary support to Commercial counterpart(s) working on individual contracts ensuring knowledge share and control of financial information in line with the contract.
- Produce comprehensive reports detailing all audit findings and recommendations including disallowed cost risk.
- Regular contact with auditors to manage findings and feed back into the business driving continuous improvements.
- Be proactive in identifying weak audit areas and leading indicators of potential issues on the project.
- Support the wider finance team in the definition and implementation of a financial control environment, processes, tools and techniques to deliver effective and efficient cost assurance.
Who we're looking for
- Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to create quality, well organised financial analysis from multiple data sources.
- Previous experience of conducting cost assurance audits, thorough knowledge of audit procedures, including planning would be beneficial.
- Strong communication, numerical and presentation skills including the ability to deliver orally and written in an objective and persuasive manner, demonstrating initiative and resilience when challenged.
- Strong commercial acumen is desired due to the need to interpret a wide range of contracts.
- Proactive, problem-solving individual who takes full ownership and accountability of their work.
- Confidence to work closely with the Commercial team and building good working relationships across the portfolio of projects.
- Confidence to work closely with the Procurement team and build good working relationships with external Subcontractors.
- Experience of contract reviews, commercial proposals, business cases desired.
- Act as a strong advocate for best practice, able to support and defend practical deployment and solutions, whilst remaining open to the ideas of others.
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver amazing projects in challenging conditions; developing, managing and maintaining the vital infrastructure and public spaces that modern economies, societies and communities rely on.
Why join us?
As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.
About us
Balfour Beatty's Enabling Functions includes our centralised HR, IT, Procurement, Finance, Health & Safety, Sustainability and Comms teams. Together we support Balfour Beatty to deliver projects on behalf of our clients. We operate according to our Build to Last values of Lean, Expert, Trusted and Safe.
We value diversity and celebrate individual differences, believing that our inclusive culture helps the business continue to grow as a strong, dynamic and innovative organisation. Balfour Beatty is a corporate signatory to WISE (Women in Science & Engineering). Our aim is to attract more people from diverse backgrounds to help us build on our inclusive culture. We are a member of the workingmums.co.uk Top Employers' Charter through which we demonstrate our commitment to enabling parents to progress and enhance their careers whilst managing the challenges of family life. Balfour Beatty is also Gold Award holders in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.
For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the "Apply" button below.
Cost Assurance Manager - UK Wide in London employer: Balfour Beatty
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Assurance Manager - UK Wide in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Balfour Beatty's projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost assurance and finance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Assurance Manager - UK Wide in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Assurance Manager role. Highlight your analytical skills and experience with cost assurance audits, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle financial data and communicate effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your proactive approach and problem-solving skills, and how they align with our values at StudySmarter. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, make sure to showcase your written communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, demonstrate your ability to present information clearly and persuasively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Assurance Manager, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've handled large volumes of financial data in the past. Think about specific examples where you identified discrepancies or improved processes.
✨Understand the Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC contracts and the schedule of cost components. Be ready to explain how you’ve navigated contract reviews and what risks you’ve identified in previous roles. This shows you’re proactive and understand the commercial landscape.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts clearly and persuasively. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated findings to stakeholders in the past, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like disallowed costs.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in cost assurance or audits. Highlight your proactive approach and any innovative solutions you've implemented. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive continuous improvement.