Cost Auditor

MWH Treatment are looking to strengthen our Finance team with a Cost Auditor based in Falmer with hybrid working available.

The role requires somebody to deliver accurate and timely cost audit activity across projects/sites, supporting strong financial governance, cost control and commercial decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

Responsible for standardising the cost audit procedure and acting as the primary contact for all cost audits conducted on the JV, working closely with Finance and Commercial teams to develop robust audit-proof processes.

Key regional responsibilities

• Standardise and maintain the JV cost audit procedure, including templates, test plans, evidence requirements and reporting outputs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all cost audits conducted on the JV, coordinating requests, timelines, site access and information flows.
• Work closely with client auditors and external partner auditors, ensuring a consistent approach, timely responses and high-quality evidence packs.
• Conduct cost audits on project expenditure, ensuring costs are valid, correctly coded, appropriately authorized and supported by evidence.
• Review and test controls around purchasing, timesheets, expenses, subcontractor payments and stock/materials usage (where applicable).
• Identify cost leakage, non-compliance, process weaknesses and emerging risks; elevate appropriately and support corrective actions.
• Perform variance analysis and trend reviews to highlight unusual movements and opportunities for improved cost control.
• Support month-end activities by validating cost accruals/prepayments and ensuring costs are captured in the correct period where required.
• Work closely with Finance and Commercial teams to maintain robust governance and ensure adherence to internal policies and contractual requirements.
• Partner with Finance and Commercial teams to design, implement and embed robust audit-proof processes, including clear ownership, controls, and document retention standards.
• Prepare clear audit summaries, findings and recommendations, including actions, owners and timescales; track progress to closure.
• Respond to ad-hoc audit requests, client queries and internal/external audit support as required.
• Maintain accurate working papers and documentation to evidence audit work and outcomes.
• Travel to operational sites in Sussex/Kent/Isle of Wight when required to complete on-site reviews and stakeholder engagement.
• In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department and business, maintaining constructive relationships.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
• Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
• Ensure your own continuous professional development and keep up to date with best practice in audit, governance and cost control.
• Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach, providing open and honest feedback and building effective working relationships.
• Work confidently on your own initiative, whilst contributing effectively as part of the wider team.

Key Relationships

• Finance Manager / Head of Finance
• Commercial team
• Project / operational managers and site teams
• Procurement / supply chain
• Client auditors
• External partner auditors
• Internal / external auditors (as required)

Competencies

• Analytical and detail-focused
• Confident communicator and personable stakeholder management
• Strong organisation and prioritisation in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgement and integrity
• Team working with ability to work independently

Essential

Degree in a finance-related subject (or equivalent). 2+ years' experience in a Finance or Commercial role, ideally with exposure to cost control, audit or review activity.

Experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.

Strong attention to detail with ability to interpret financial data and identify exceptions.

Personable and confident, able to build relationships and challenge appropriately.

Able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Strong MS Excel / MS Office skills.

Desirable

Studying towards a professional finance qualification (e. g., ACCA/CIMA/ACA).

Will consider candidates with a Commercial background.

Experience in project-based, operational or site-based environments.

Knowledge of ERP / finance systems and data interrogation (e. g., Power BI or similar).

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