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- Tasks: Manage financials for exciting transformation projects and support project managers with cost tracking.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovation and inclusivity in the operations sector.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, pension contributions, enhanced family leave, and discounts on retail and leisure.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Join a team where your financial expertise drives impactful projects and fosters growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or project support roles, with strong Excel and data management skills.
The predicted salary is between 47100 - 58300 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid office in South & Southeast England, London or Scotland offices. 2-3 days per week, with UK travel.
Employment type: Personal Contract (Full time).
Salary: £47.1k – £58.3k per annum, dependent on skills and qualifications.
Benefits: Joint‑contribution pension, enhanced maternity & family leave, life assurance, HolidayPlus, Virtual GP & Employee Assistance Programme, and retail & leisure discounts.
About the role: The Portfolio Cost Lead supports the financial management of a transformation portfolio within the Operations directorate, focusing on accurate cost forecasts, purchase orders, requisitions and tracking spend across multiple projects.
Responsibilities:
- Cost forecasting and tracking; support Project Managers in developing and maintaining project cost forecasts.
- Consolidate and maintain portfolio‑level cost views across multiple projects.
- Track actuals vs forecast, highlight variances and risks.
- Ensure forecasts are regularly updated and aligned with delivery plans.
- Raise and manage purchase orders (POs) and requisitions in the finance system; ensure accurate coding and alignment to project budgets.
- Track PO lifecycle including approvals, receipts and closure; support invoice matching and query resolution.
- Track supplier payments and accruals where required.
- Monitor project spend and commitments across the portfolio; produce regular cost reports for Project Managers and senior stakeholders.
- Maintain clear audit trails and financial records.
- Act as key support to Project Managers, the Portfolio Office and senior stakeholders on cost‑related processes.
- Work with Finance teams to ensure alignment with financial controls and reporting cycles.
- Provide guidance to project teams on procurement and cost management processes.
- Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and governance requirements.
- Identify and implement improvements to cost tracking and reporting processes; support audits and reviews with accurate and well‑maintained documentation.
Qualifications:
- Experience in a project, programme or portfolio support role (PMO, cost control, finance admin or similar).
- Experience raising purchase orders and requisitions within finance systems.
- Strong Excel, data management and administrative skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Experience working in utilities, infrastructure, engineering or other regulated environments (desirable but not essential).
We value diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups, even if they do not tick every box. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application experience. If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, please let us know.
Portfolio Costs Lead in London employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Costs Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Portfolio Costs Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their financial management processes and be ready to discuss how your skills can help improve cost tracking and reporting. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to project management and cost control. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Costs Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Portfolio Costs Lead role. Highlight your experience in project support, cost control, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires high attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before you hit send. We appreciate precision and clarity in all aspects of work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Costs Lead, you'll be dealing with financial data all the time. Brush up on your cost forecasting and tracking skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and any tools or systems you've used.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
This role requires a high level of accuracy, so make sure you highlight your attention to detail. Prepare examples where your meticulous nature helped avoid errors or improved processes. It’s all about demonstrating that you can keep those financial records clear and precise.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Controls
Understanding financial controls and governance is key for this position. Do some research on common practices in the industry and be prepared to discuss how you’ve adhered to these in past roles. This shows you’re not just a numbers person but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about their current projects, challenges they face in cost management, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.