At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data to identify trends and support financial decision-making.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Up to £35,000 salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your analytical and business skills.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical and Excel skills; finance experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working between site and home. We can be flexible on base location between either our office in Worthing or Falmer.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: Up to £35,000 depending on skills and experience
About the role
We’re looking for a Cost Analyst to join our Waste Commercial Finance team. This is a great opportunity for someone early in their finance career who enjoys working with data and wants to develop their commercial and business partnering skills. You’ll work closely with Finance Business Partners within our Waste directorate, interrogating large and complex data sets to identify trends, challenge costs, and highlight opportunities for efficiencies and process improvements. Your insight will directly support decision-making and help drive better financial performance across the business. Alongside analysis, you’ll gain exposure to operational stakeholders, contributing to conversations around spend, performance, and cost control.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Analysing large data sets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Supporting the Waste Finance Business Partner team with cost analysis and reporting
- Highlighting opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and improved performance
- Producing clear, concise reporting to support decision-making
- Supporting processes such as spend tracking, incident cost analysis, and purchase order approvals
- Working with systems and data sources, helping to improve data quality and underlying processes
- Contributing to continuous improvement of finance processes and reporting
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and manipulate data
- Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, advanced formulas)
- Ability to present data clearly and provide meaningful insights
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach
- Good communication skills and confidence working with stakeholders
Desirable
- Experience working in a finance or analytical role
- Exposure to business partnering or working with operational stakeholders
- Basic knowledge of Power BI or similar reporting tools
- Experience working with large or complex data sets
About Southern Water
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation. Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Cost Analyst in Worthing employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development for its employees. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the water industry, team members can expect to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts communities while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements between Worthing and Falmer. The company promotes a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to contribute to strategic decisions and drive positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Analyst in Worthing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those working at Southern Water. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by brushing up on your data analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex data sets in the past and how you can bring that expertise to the Cost Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Practice using pivot tables and advanced formulas, and be prepared to demonstrate these during your interview. It’s a key part of the job, so let’s make sure you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Southern Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Analyst in Worthing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Analyst role. Highlight your analytical skills and any experience with large data sets. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our Waste Commercial Finance team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since advanced Excel skills are essential, mention specific examples of how you've used pivot tables or complex formulas in your previous roles. We love seeing practical applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Data
As a Cost Analyst, you'll be working with large data sets, so make sure you brush up on your analytical skills. Familiarise yourself with common trends and metrics in finance, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, practice using pivot tables and complex formulas before your interview. You might even want to prepare a quick example of how you've used these skills in previous roles to showcase your expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to present data insights to stakeholders, so practice explaining complex information in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your findings effectively, and be prepared to answer questions about your analysis during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Improvement
Southern Water is all about continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you could enhance processes or reporting. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to the team's success.
