At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budgeting and forecasting for HS2 construction projects while ensuring data accuracy.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty VINCI, a leader in iconic infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free parking, travel allowance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team delivering major transport infrastructure and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost accounting and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
HS2, Britain’s new high-speed railway is at peak construction.
Balfour Beatty VINCI is HS2’s construction partner in the Midlands, responsible for delivering 90km of the route, from Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Handsacre in Staffordshire.
Now is a great time to join us and be part of a diverse team of nearly 9,000 people from over 80 nationalities working together to deliver major assets including bridges, tunnels and viaducts.
Whether onsite or officed based all colleagues have a key part to play in delivering this critical transport infrastructure project.
- Location
- Birmingham
- Accountabilities
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Leads preparation of the MEP/PST budget and forecast in collaboration with the commercial, delivery and finance teams across multiple work areas.
- Cost & Data Validation
- Is responsible for accurate analytical coding for all recorded expenses; oversees weekly labour and plant report reviews.
- Validates monthly subcontract liabilities against applications across work areas, working closely with the QS team to ensure accuracy; ensures liabilities are recorded in the accounting system on a timely basis.
- Is responsible for data integrity of the accounting system/records by validating transactions posted, identifying and resolving discrepancies, and driving corrective action where required.
- Verifies and validates labour hours and labour costs across work areas, ensuring hours reconcile fully to the time-keeping system.
- Verifies and validates plant and machinery recharges, ensuring amounts reconcile fully to supporting backup files, and resolving discrepancies with site teams.
- Month-End Activities
Leads monthly financial close activities, including
- Coordinating with the Finance Department to ensure all costs and accruals are accurately captured across work areas for month-end closing.
- Leading variance analysis, including self-delivery performance (outputs, Labour hours, rates, quantities, machine efficiencies) and subcontracted works, working closely with Commercial and Delivery on key changes (quantities, rates, compensation events).
- Supporting monthly Regional Performance Review (RPR) input, analysing variances against forecast and preparing accurate commentary for senior management.
- Leads preparation of material-related reports and is responsible for supporting reconciliations.
- Preparing Rolling Forecast across multiple work areas, with support from the commercial department.
- Providing analytical and technical support to the Financial Controller on ad hoc tasks.
Proven relevant experience in a contracting/project’s environment, ideally spanning multiple work areas.
- Strong knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting and forecasting.
- Advanced Excel and analytical skills.
- Self-starter, highly motivated, with a track record of progression and taking on increasing responsibility.
- May require travel across sites; predominantly site-office based.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK to be considered.
- Why Join Us
- Flexible working options
- Free parking & travel allowance (where eligible)
- Family-friendly policies
- Wellbeing support & flu vaccinations
About Us
Balfour Beatty VINCI is a joint venture with over 30 years of experience delivering iconic infrastructure, including the Channel Tunnel, Crossrail, and upgrading some of the UK’s busiest motorways.
On HS2, we’re building everything from viaducts and tunnels to bridges and embankments across the West Midlands.
Diversity & Inclusion
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming people from all backgrounds, abilities and neurodiversities.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from candidates with disabilities.
Flexible Working
We’re open to discussing flexible working arrangements to suit your needs, aligned with project requirements.
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Cost Controller in Birmingham employer: HS2 Ltd
HS2 Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive salaries and flexible benefits that cater to the diverse needs of our team. Join us to be part of transformative infrastructure projects that not only shape the future but also foster a culture of excellence and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller 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 HS2 Ltd, 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 Controller at HS2 Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller 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 HS2 Ltd
✨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!
