Cost Controller - Defence in London

Cost Controller - Defence in London

London Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our dynamic team to manage costs on exciting defence projects.
  • Company: Turner & Townsend, a global leader in project management.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, career growth, and a supportive culture.
  • Other info: Must be a sole UK national with security clearance eligibility.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cost control and familiarity with project management tools.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society. Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 110 offices worldwide. As part of our 2025 Vision we are putting Sustainability and Net Zero at the heart of our business. Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.

Job Description

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Already holding SC Clearance is desirable however we advise that if you feel you would be a great candidate for this role, please apply.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Cost Controller (Senior Project Controls Engineer Grade) to join our busy and expanding, Bristol and South West based, Infrastructure-Defence team. We are undertaking a range of Controls & Performance duties on several high-profile Infrastructure Projects/Programmes. Additionally, this role will provide the opportunity to innovate, collaborate and learn from our experienced and award-winning Cost Control community and wider extensive Controls and Performance Network. There has never been a more exciting time to build your career with us in the Defence sector.

Key deliverables:

  • Working alongside project delivery teams as part of a wider cost control team or independently with reach back support to experienced cost professionals, responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Tailoring Cost Control approaches to meet the client’s needs and aligning with best practice.
  • Promoting the benefits and requirements of Cost Control within the project and programme team.
  • Implementing, administering, and maintaining cost control systems and procedures to track project budgets, commitments, expenditures, and forecasts.
  • Development of project Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS), align the time phasing of budgets against the Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), to accurately track and control actual costs.
  • Map and integrate cost estimates to the Work Breakdown Structure, in order to set the project budget against the correct Work Packages, Planning Packages and Control Accounts.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with interfacing disciplines including, but not limited to, Finance, Commercial and Project Managers to ensure alignment of project information.
  • Lead the production of accruals to ensure that the Actual Cost of Work Performed is accurately reflected in a timely manner in the cost data.
  • Provide advice and assist the development of reporting tracking tools, where required, and generate Cost reports on a regular basis, including analysis of earned value management information.
  • Providing Cost information and advice, where required, to the project team to develop status reports, keep management informed on project progress, and to support performance management decision making.
  • Training and coaching clients and less experienced team members on cost control processes and practices.

Qualifications

Essential:

  • Demonstrable Experience in Cost Control is essential.
  • Familiarity of different cost performance reporting and cost forecasting techniques.
  • Experience leading Cost Control Assurance activities as part of project performance cadence.
  • A detailed understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM), progress reporting, forecasting and performance reporting and analysis.
  • Practical experience of using MS Excel and other MS applications.
  • Familiarity with at least one Cost Control tool is desirable.
  • An understanding of how other aspects of Project Controls (Scheduling, Risk Management, Reporting, Change Control) interact with Cost Control is desirable.
  • Familiarity with NEC contracts is desirable.
  • The ability to travel to client sites across the region as required.

In order to progress your application, it is essential that you are a sole British national passport holder, with current security clearance, or the ability to achieve this. This is purely due to client security requirements.

Working in teams/site attendance:

Turner & Townsend recognises the importance of helping its employees harmonise their work and home life by offering hybrid working, that enable them to balance their working life with other priorities. At the same time T&T recognises that employee office and site attendance must always remain in line with the demands of the business and clients. Currently, we anticipate you being on client sites or Turner & Townsend offices 60% of your time, but this may flex depending on client and business requirements. The office is not the only place work gets done, but it is increasingly important for teams to be stronger together by learning, collaborating, and creating amazing work together.

Security Clearance

Important: Before applying, due to the sensitive nature of these projects, you must be a SOLE UK National who is able to achieve and maintain UK MoD Security Clearance (SC). Many of the clients and projects we support are subject to MoD security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Cost Controller - Defence in London employer: Turner & Townsend

Turner & Townsend is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the Energy & Infrastructure sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive career growth opportunities, mentorship programs, and the chance to lead complex projects that make a real impact in the energy and renewables landscape. With a commitment to quality control and best practices, this role provides a rewarding environment for professionals looking to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects.

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Contact Details:

Turner & Townsend Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cost Controller - Defence in London

✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks

The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!

✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences

Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Turner & Townsend. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!

✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise

Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Turner & Townsend.

✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites

Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Turner & Townsend. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Cost Controller - Defence in London

Cost Control
Cost Performance Reporting
Cost Forecasting Techniques
Earned Value Management (EVM)
MS Excel
Cost Control Tools
Project Controls

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.

Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Turner & Townsend and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!

Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.

Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Turner & Townsend how you can be a team player!

How to prepare for a job interview at Turner & Townsend

✨Brush Up on Technical Skills

Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Turner & Townsend.

✨Know Your Numbers

In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.

✨Connect with Company Goals

Familiarise yourself with Turner & Townsend's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!