At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial monitoring and cost management for international construction projects.
- Company: Join Legendre, a dynamic player in the construction industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant London office with opportunities for travel and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost control or financial management, ideally in construction.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Cost Controller
Join to apply for the Cost Controller role at Legendre.
Are you a detail‑driven finance professional looking to bring your expertise to international construction projects?
We are seeking a highly proactive and autonomous Cost Controller to oversee financial monitoring and cost management across multiple construction projects in the UK, Channel Islands (Jersey & Guernsey) and Switzerland.
This standalone role will work closely with project leads and senior management to drive financial accountability, compliance and performance.
You will also collaborate with support functions including accounting and HR to ensure seamless financial operations and reporting.
The ideal candidate will be hands‑on, entrepreneurial and confident working across international jurisdictions.
The role is based in London but requires travel to France, the Channel Islands and Switzerland, with a few weeks based in Rennes, France (HQ).
Responsibilities
- Cost Control & Monitoring
- Track and monitor project costs throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, working closely with Project Leads.
- Prepare and maintain comprehensive cost control files, reports, and financial spreadsheets.
- Support Project Managers and Directors in analysing cost variances and identifying corrective actions.
- Monitor client and subcontractor payments to ensure deadlines are met.
- Oversee post‑completion financial reconciliation and head office cost allocations.
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Assist in the preparation of overhead, project, and company budgets.
- Conduct monthly reviews of financial forecasts, analysing trends and variances.
- Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and maintain the monthly Business Unit Dashboard.
- Ensure accurate and timely cost records to support effective decision‑making.
- Oversee performance bond tracking (setup and release), project insurance, and related documentation.
- Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure adherence to company financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Represent the international business unit at Group level meetings.
- Adapt financial processes to meet local legal and business requirements.
- Finance Systems
- Ensure accurate and up‑to‑date data entry within financial software systems.
- Act as the main point of contact for expense software queries and user support.
- Gather feedback and contribute to continuous improvement of financial tools and systems.
- Accounting & Banking
- Monitor key cash flow indicators and proactively support improvement initiatives.
- Liaise closely with the international accounting team to ensure alignment, accuracy, and compliance.
Qualifications
You have proven experience in cost control or financial management, ideally within the construction or engineering industry.
- Asset Skills
- Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cost‑monitoring principles.
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret and explain complex data clearly.
- Highly skilled communicator, able to collaborate effectively with Project Leads, Senior Management and cross‑functional teams.
- Fluency in English and French (advanced level) is required.
- Strong attention to detail, with a proactive and solutions‑driven approach.
- Organised, results‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- A degree in Finance or a related field.
- Experience with financial or ERP software systems is an advantage.
- Future Working Environment
The London head office is based near Chancery Lane tube station. This lively neighbourhood gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the London experience.
Benefits
- Private Medical Insurance & Life Insurance
- Pension scheme
- 30 days Annual Leave + Bank Holiday
- Profit Shared Schemes
- Personalised Induction Plan (1:1 meetings with your colleagues, an induction day in France etc.)
- Training & Mentoring
- The opportunity to develop and progress in a varied and agile construction business
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Volunteering activities, Group travels and more
- Next Steps
- Your profile is selected. The HR team will contact you to discuss your experience, the role and the company.
- You might be invited to an interview with HR and Julien Lemetayer.
- When possible, you will meet your future colleagues for informal chats.
- Equal Opportunity Statement
Legendre UK is committed to being a place where everyone has a voice and feels they belong.
We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.
Making Legendre UK a diverse and inclusive place to work is a huge priority for us.
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Cost Controller employer: Legendre
Legendre is an exceptional employer that values detail-oriented finance professionals, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and mentoring, as well as generous benefits like private medical insurance and a profit-sharing scheme, we foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Our international projects provide unique opportunities for travel and professional development, making Legendre a rewarding place to advance your career in cost control.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Controller
✨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 Legendre, 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 Legendre.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller
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 Legendre
✨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!
