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.
- Other info: Opportunity for visibility and influence in a collaborative finance role.
- 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.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Skillful is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the InsurTech space. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have opportunities to mentor junior analysts while utilising cutting-edge tools like Python and R in a hybrid work environment. Join us to be part of a team that values analytical excellence and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Manager – IT & Cloud (Financial Services) | £75k-£85k + 25% Bonus
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Skillful. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Manager – IT & Cloud (Financial Services) | £75k-£85k + 25% Bonus
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.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Skillful.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Skillful's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skillful
✨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 Skillful.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Skillful will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Skillful employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
