At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost governance in a dynamic IT environment.
- Company: Established UK lender with a focus on innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 25% bonus, pension, and additional perks.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and make a real impact in a forward-thinking financial services group.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in cost accounting, strong Excel skills, and full accounting qualification required.
- Other info: Opportunity for visibility and influence in a collaborative finance role.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
A well-established UK lender is looking for a Senior Cost Manager to take ownership of the cost agenda across both their on-premise IT estate and their cloud-native Transformation programme. It’s a role with real breadth covering budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting, and cost governance across a large and fast-evolving technology landscape. This is a chance to step into a senior role that combines hands‑on financial ownership with strategic business partnering.
You’ll lead the end‑to‑end cost process, from budgeting and forecasting through to cash accounting, capitalisation and depreciation. You’ll also be the key Finance voice within IT and Transformation, working closely with leadership to shape spend profiles, challenge plans, and tell a clear cost story that senior stakeholders can act on. It’s not just about managing numbers – it’s about helping the business understand them. You’ll build driver‑based models, explain variances, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and make complex financial data accessible to both technical and non‑technical audiences. You’ll also play a central role in developing FinOps capabilities, simplifying models, and improving insight quality across the function.
Responsibilities- Owning budgeting, forecasting, reporting and performance analysis across IT or Transformation cost centres
- Managing project accounting and headcount, including capex, opex and cash reconciliation
- Partnering closely with IT and programme leaders to shape spend and challenge assumptions
- Building driver‑based models and analysing variances to explain risks and opportunities
- Leading on cloud cost control and supporting FinOps governance and optimisation
- 5+ years’ experience in cost or management accounting within financial services
- Proven background as a Finance Business Partner working with executive stakeholders
- Solid technical accounting knowledge (IFRS, IAS 16/38, capitalisation and amortisation principles)
- Strong Excel modelling skills, with experience using ERP, GL or forecasting tools (Anaplan a plus)
- Full accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA or equivalent) and a hands‑on, detail‑driven mindset
This role gives you visibility, influence and the chance to shape how one of the UK’s most forward‑looking financial services groups manages its technology and transformation investment. If you’re looking for a position where finance truly partners with the business, this is it.
Senior Cost Manager – IT & Cloud (Financial Services) | £75k-£85k + 25% Bonus employer: Skillful
Contact Detail:
Skillful Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager – IT & Cloud (Financial Services) | £75k-£85k + 25% Bonus
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector, especially those in IT and transformation roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical accounting knowledge and Excel skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled budgeting and forecasting challenges in the past. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to communicate complex financial data clearly. Practice explaining your past projects in a way that both finance and non-finance folks can understand. This will set you apart as a true Finance Business Partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager – IT & Cloud (Financial Services) | £75k-£85k + 25% Bonus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Cost Manager. Highlight your experience in cost management and financial ownership, especially in IT and cloud environments. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and partnered with stakeholders in the past. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical accounting knowledge and Excel modelling skills. If you’ve worked with ERP or forecasting tools like Anaplan, let us know! We’re looking for someone who can handle complex financial data with ease.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skillful
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Cost Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to IT and cloud transformation. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role is about more than just crunching numbers; it's about shaping the business's financial strategy. Prepare examples of how you've partnered with stakeholders to challenge assumptions and drive cost-saving initiatives. Highlight your experience in building driver-based models.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be the Finance voice within IT and Transformation, so practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. Think about how you can make your insights accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between finance and technology.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
With strong Excel modelling skills being crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP and forecasting tools. If you've used Anaplan or similar software, mention it! Consider bringing a portfolio of your work to showcase your technical capabilities.