At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the project team with cost control and reporting functions.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and construction firm committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 26 days leave, healthcare, and more.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Business or finance qualification preferred; Excel skills are a must.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
Provide support to the project commercial team. Monitor and schedule site records to facilitate cost control and reporting function.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost control function – processing Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
- Recording of labour / plant / material and subcontract costs including site returns
- Maintaining site cost records, GRNs, plant tickets etc and archiving
- Analysing / resolving invoice/ payment queries
- Monitoring of labour and plant utilisation/productivity
- Supporting commercial manager with production of commercial reporting
- Cost control and administration
- Responsible for collating and recording time sheets from Midland Metro Alliance Organisations
- Anticipate organisational changes and adapt to meet operational requirements
- Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time
Person Specification
- A Business, finance or construction commercial qualification (such as quantity surveying or commercial management) preferred
- Working in a finance or commercial function within the engineering or construction sector
- Knowledge of finance systems
- Cost and budget administration
- Financial and commercial reporting
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary
- 26 days Annual Leave
- Industry leading Life Assurance
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
- Pension Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- Long Service Award
- Season Ticket Loan
- Occupational Health Service
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. As part of a positive action drive to address under‑representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.
Cost Clerk in Birmingham employer: Colas Rail UK
As a Cost Clerk with us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth within the engineering and construction sector. Our inclusive work culture fosters innovation and creativity, while our comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust healthcare plan, ensures your well-being is a priority. Join us in a role that not only offers meaningful work but also the opportunity to make a real impact in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Clerk in Birmingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Colas Rail UK, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Cost Clerk at Colas Rail UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Clerk in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colas Rail UK
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
