At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operational costs and ensure accurate financial reporting for AI-focused data centres.
- Company: Join Kao Data, a leader in innovative data centre solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, generous leave, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a rapidly growing industry with real impact on technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance within the FM or Data Centre industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Join Kao Data as an Operations Cost Controller - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!
Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing.
With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Cost Controller to act as the central finance point of contact for all operational and facilities-related expenditure across Kao Data sites, ensuring robust financial control, accurate billing and cost allocation, and clear, actionable reporting.
The position will also involve undertaking general administration duties to support the operations function.
Key Responsibilities
This role is increasingly critical as operational expenditure continues to scale.
The successful candidate will become the central point of finance understanding for our largest operating cost base, spanning both capital works and operating costs.
The role is responsible for pulling together accurate, meaningful information.
The job holder must be able to understand operational activity, capture the relevant financial impact, and summarise it clearly for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Operational Cost Control & Reporting
- Act as the finance lead across all FM and operational cost activity.
- Attend weekly finance meetings with the FM provider, Contract Manager and Finance Director.
- Sit in monthly billing meetings with the FM provider and key suppliers.
- Liaise with clients to resolve outstanding issues.
- Assist in preparing accurate cost forecasts and variance analysis.
- Prepare monthly financial reports and support month-end close processes.
- Purchase Orders & Invoice Control
- Create accurate Purchase Orders in a timely manner, ensuring correct cost categorisation (capex vs opex), appropriate project allocation and correct budget holder identification.
- Review and process supplier invoices, ensuring payments are made only for satisfactorily delivered goods and services.
- Work within a robust internal controls framework (PO approval workflows, AP processes).
- Recharge & Billing Management
- Identify which costs are rechargeable to customers.
- Match costs to customer PO’s.
- Raise sales orders and invoices within company deadlines.
- Ensure billing is completed at the correct margin and in line with contract terms.
- CAFM & Operational Systems
- Act as key user for the CAFM system on site.
- Assist in maintaining PPM records, reactive tracking and reporting.
- Ensure operational data aligns with financial records.
- Undertake general administration duties to support the operations function.
- Stakeholder Management
- Liaise closely with suppliers, operational teams and head office.
- Support accurate processing of quotations, purchase orders and invoices.
- Confidently present financial information to senior management.
- Translate technical operational matters into clear financial impact.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience within the FM or Data Centre industry
- Strong understanding of operational services
- Experience with PO processes, invoice approval workflows and financial controls
- Strong Excel and financial systems skills
- Experience supporting month-end reporting
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
- General office administration experience.
- Experience working within a structured internal controls framework
Why Kao Data?
- Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
- Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
- Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension
- Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Life Assurance & Income Protection
- Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders
- Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
- Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Optical Benefit Access to Unum’s Help@Hand
Interested in joining one of the UK's most pioneering data centre operators and developers?
A career at Kao Data offers the opportunity to join a rapidly growing company early within its evolution, and within an industry that is showing phenomenal global expansion.
Our team is respected within the industry and is trusted to design, build and operate high performance data centres for some of the world’s most demanding clients.
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Operations Cost Controller employer: KD Servco Limited
Kao Data is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving AI data centre sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to continuous growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions. Located in a cutting-edge facility, we provide a unique chance to be at the forefront of technology while enjoying competitive benefits and a vibrant workplace atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Cost Controller
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like KD Servco Limited. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from KD Servco Limited.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like KD Servco Limited. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Cost Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in KD Servco Limited and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show KD Servco Limited how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at KD Servco Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with KD Servco Limited.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with KD Servco Limited's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
