Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator
Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator

Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator

Full-Time 24000 - 28000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage invoices and support finance functions in a dynamic rail and civil engineering environment.
  • Company: Join a leading Tier 1 contractor with a strong culture of development and stability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career progression.
  • Why this job: Be the key player in ensuring financial accuracy and supporting exciting projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cost administration and strong Excel skills are essential.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive team atmosphere with excellent long-term career growth.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 Β£ per year.

Role: Cost Clerk / Cost Administrator

Salary: 30,000 - 34,000 (DOE & travel flexibility)

Location: Manchester, Preston, Derby or Nottingham

Working Pattern: Hybrid - office & home working

Sector: Rail & Civil Engineering (Tier 1 Contractor)

About the Company

Our client is a Tier 1 contractor to Network Rail, delivering a wide range of rail and civil engineering works across the UK. The business provides multi-disciplinary services including civil engineering, infrastructure maintenance and reactive works, operating across multiple live frameworks. The company has grown significantly over recent years while maintaining excellent staff retention and a strong culture of long-term development.

About the Role

The Cost Clerk / Cost Administrator will support the commercial and finance functions by owning the administration and processing of supplier and subcontractor invoices. This is a highly structured, detail-focused role where accuracy and organisation are key. The successful candidate will act as the central point of contact for cost and invoice queries, ensuring all supplier invoices are correctly aligned to purchase orders, cost codes and certification dates within the cost management system.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with processes, data and spreadsheets, and who takes pride in keeping systems accurate and up to date.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a central shared inbox receiving invoices from subcontractors and ad-hoc suppliers
  • Accurately log, check and process invoices within the cost management system
  • Ensure invoices are correctly matched to purchase orders (POs) and cost codes
  • Validate invoices against certification dates and contractual requirements
  • Place invoices on hold where required and resolve discrepancies
  • Act as the first point of contact for supplier, commercial and internal cost queries
  • Liaise with project teams, commercial staff and finance to resolve invoice issues
  • Maintain clear audit trails and supporting documentation
  • Support month-end processes and reporting where required
  • Ensure all cost administration processes are followed consistently and accurately

Requirements

Essential:

  • Previous experience in a Cost Clerk, Cost Administrator, Accounts Assistant or similar administrative role
  • Experience processing invoices and supporting payment processes
  • Strong Excel skills and confidence working with spreadsheets and data
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Confident managing a busy shared inbox and prioritising workloads

Desirable:

  • Experience within construction, civil engineering or rail environments
  • Familiarity with cost management or finance systems
  • Willingness to travel between regional offices when required

Location & Working Pattern

Role can be based from Manchester, Preston, Derby or Nottingham. Hybrid working available. Lower salary band applies to candidates based primarily in one office (Manchester or Preston) OR (Derby or Nottingham) with 3 days in the office / 2 days from home. Upper salary band applies to candidates willing to travel between regional offices (Manchester, Preston, Derby and Nottingham) during working hours. Standard hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator employer: Ganymede

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and stable work environment that prioritises employee development and retention. With a strong focus on career progression and a hybrid working model, employees enjoy the flexibility of balancing office and home working while contributing to impactful rail and civil engineering projects across the UK. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the industry.
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Contact Detail:

Ganymede Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the rail and civil engineering sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to cost administration and invoice processing. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your Excel skills! If you’ve got experience with spreadsheets, bring it up during interviews. Maybe even prepare a quick example of how you’ve used Excel to manage data effectively. We want to see that you can handle the nitty-gritty details of the role!

✨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 the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator

Invoice Processing
Cost Management
Attention to Detail
Excel Skills
Data Management
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Audit Trail Maintenance
Familiarity with Finance Systems
Time Management
Collaboration with Project Teams
Adaptability to Hybrid Working

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Clerk role. Highlight your experience with invoice processing and any relevant skills, like your Excel prowess. We want to see how you fit into our world!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!

Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role is all about accuracy, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before hitting send. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work!

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, it’s super easy – just a few clicks!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ganymede

✨Know Your Numbers

Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've used spreadsheets in previous roles. Be prepared to give examples of how you’ve managed data, processed invoices, or maintained accuracy in financial records.

✨Understand the Role

Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Cost Clerk. Think about how your past experiences align with the job description, especially around invoice processing and cost management systems. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. For instance, how would you handle discrepancies in invoices? Prepare specific examples from your experience where you successfully resolved similar issues.

✨Show Your Organisational Skills

Since this role requires excellent organisation, be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage a busy inbox. Share strategies you use to stay organised and ensure accuracy in your work.

Cost Clerk/Commercial Administrator
Ganymede

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