At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse costs and improve processes using innovative technologies like AI.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven organisation focused on customer-centric transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, and global career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA qualified or studying, with experience in finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 57300 £ per year.
Country: United Kingdom
IT STARTS HERE
Santander is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.
Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
The Chief Finance Officer function is looking for a Cost Optimisation Analyst based out of Milton Keynes. The Cost Optimisation Office is responsible for the production of accurate and timely cost information, used across the wider Finance Community. As a Cost Optimisation Analyst, you will work collaboratively with our Finance Business Partner teams and other teams across CFO and the wider Bank, supporting them in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of cost information. You’re passionate about providing high-quality outputs and are continuously looking for ways to improve processes and better manage risk. You’ll have an interest in how new technologies; particularly AI and process automation tools and techniques; can support more traditional accounting requirements. Personal development is important to you, and you see how building knowledge and experience of cost management processes can support your career.
We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:
- Month end cost processes including journals, reconciliation and reporting
- Supporting Finance Business Partners in the production of the monthly forecast, annual budget and 3- and 5-year plans
- Documentation of owned processes and procedures, ensuring regular review to confirm their effectiveness
- Continuous improvement of owned processes utilising new techniques and technology to drive automation and improve efficiency
- The identification and management of risks within the Cost Optimisation Office and wider cost landscape
- Provision of ad hoc management information as required to support effective cost management within CFO
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Professional Experience: CIMA / ACCA (or equivalent) qualified, part-qualified/studying or significant experience in working in a finance/cost function (Required)
- Education: Degree (Preferred)
- Hard Skills: Experience of management accounting fundamentals; month end, planning, forecasting and reporting (Required)
- Ability to undertake complex analytical/modelling techniques. Able to deal with complex issues and undertake bespoke analysis when requested (Required)
- Experience of Risk Management in a Finance environment (Preferred)
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication, stakeholder management and prioritisation skills (Required)
- Resilient and comfortable operating under pressure with tight timeframes (Required)
- Self-motivated individual with the ability to work independently (Preferred)
- Passionate about delivering excellent customer service, all of the time (Preferred)
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.
Salary Range: £38,200.00 - £57,300.00 per annum (depending on experience). This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.
Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.
Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow. To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles). When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. For further Guidance please visit Internal Mobility - Candidate Guidance. If you want to know more about the opportunity: Please contact Paul Carroll - Paul.Carroll3@santander.co.uk
Cost Optimisation Analyst | S2 | CFO - Cost Management | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility employer: Santander Corporate Website
At Santander, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and personal growth. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and empowers employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive rewards and comprehensive wellbeing support. With opportunities for global career development and a commitment to recognising individual contributions, working in Milton Keynes as a PMO Manager offers a unique chance to thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to customer-centric transformation.
Contact Details:
Santander Corporate Website Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Optimisation Analyst | S2 | CFO - Cost Management | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Cost Optimisation Analyst | S2 | CFO - Cost Management | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Santander Corporate Website
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Santander Corporate Website.
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