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- Tasks: Lead financial management for major projects, including budgeting and reporting.
- Company: Join a global engineering organisation known for its innovative projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while enhancing your finance skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive under pressure and enjoy collaborative teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Robert Half is working with a global engineering organisation to recruit a Principal Cost Specialist. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take ownership of cost planning and financial control across complex projects within a regulated environment. The role will support large-scale project delivery from a finance perspective, working closely with project teams and central finance to ensure cost transparency, robust reporting, and accurate forecasting.
For the right candidate, this role offers: £70,000 - £80,000, pension of up to 8% and excellent opportunity for growth.
Key Responsibilities- Take the lead on financial management of major projects, including cost forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.
- Monitor and manage project expenditure, ensuring accurate cost capture and compliance with governance processes.
- Work closely with project controls teams to track performance against budget and provide financial insight to support delivery.
- Produce monthly reports including P&L, cash flow, and cost-to-complete analyses.
- Support monthly reviews, presenting financial updates to project leads and senior stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts across the programme.
- Liaise with central finance on month-end processes and ensure alignment with wider business reporting cycles.
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA or ACCA).
- 5 years post-qualification experience in a finance role with strong project exposure.
- Strong understanding of project cost control, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Experience working with or alongside project controls or commercial teams.
- Confident communicator, able to present complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders.
- Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider finance/project team.
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cost Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in project cost control and financial management. Being knowledgeable about current tools and methodologies will not only boost your confidence but also impress interviewers with your commitment to staying updated.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage project finances effectively. Highlight instances where you successfully forecasted costs or improved budget adherence, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially in presenting complex financial data. Since the role requires liaising with non-finance stakeholders, being able to convey information clearly and concisely will be crucial in your interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cost Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial management, cost forecasting, and budgeting. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage project expenditure and work with project teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant and your relevant experience in project finance. Be sure to mention your ability to communicate complex financial data effectively.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked under tight deadlines in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Principal Cost Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your strong understanding of project cost control, budgeting, and forecasting. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed financial aspects of complex projects.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Finance Stakeholders
Since the role involves presenting financial data to non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between finance and project teams effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles related to cost management and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your critical thinking abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With multiple priorities and tight deadlines, it's crucial to showcase your organisational skills. Prepare to discuss how you manage your workload and ensure compliance with governance processes while maintaining attention to detail.
