At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost centre accounting, ensuring accurate reporting and strategic insights.
- Company: Verian, a purpose-led company driving social change through impactful projects.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and influence financial decisions that shape public policy.
- Qualifications: Strong cost accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and experience with SAP or S4H.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: London, (Hybrid)
Contract: Permanent
About Verian
Verian is a purpose-led company, delivering high-impact projects that shape public policy and drive social change. From education to health, crime to energy, our projects make a real difference. With offices in 15 countries, our consultants and researchers advise government departments, regulators, charities, and other public sector organisations to make informed decisions and improve people’s lives. Operating globally, Verian has offices across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the United States.
About the Team
The Verian Group Finance HQ team is a central, high performing, and collaborative function that plays a critical role in supporting the Group’s strategic and operational objectives. Based at the heart of the organisation, the team brings together deep technical expertise, strong business partnering capability, and a shared commitment to high standards of financial governance and insight.
About the Role
The Head of Cost Centre Accounting is responsible for ensuring that all organisational costs are accurately captured, allocated, analysed, and reported at the cost‑centre level. This role acts as the financial “owner” of cost visibility, supporting strategic decision‑making, budgeting, performance management, and cost optimisation across the business.
What You’ll Do
- Provide accurate, timely and insight-driven cost reporting across all cost centres
- Ensure financial control and governance over cost structures
- Partner with departmental heads to explain variances, challenge assumptions, and drive cost discipline
- Translate cost data into strategic recommendations for senior leadership
Cost Accounting & Reporting
- Oversee cost allocation methodologies and ensure they are applied consistently
- Produce monthly cost‑centre performance reports, variance analysis, and insight
- Maintain the chart of accounts related to cost centres
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
- Lead the cost‑centre portion of the annual budget cycle
- Coordinate rolling forecasts and scenario planning
- Check and apply the necessary rigour to budget assumptions
Financial Governance & Controls
- Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies
- Oversee periodic cost‑centre reconciliations and cost allocations
- Strengthen processes to increase efficiency and reduce manual adjustments
What You’ll Bring
- Strong cost centre & technical accounting knowledge with a management accounting focus
- Excellent analytical and data‑interpretation skills with the ability to translate complex cost data into actionable insights
- Strong understanding of cost drivers
- Experience with SAP or S4H
- Exceptional cost transparency and insight
- Rigorous financial control and high reporting standards
- Detailed budgeting, forecasting and cost planning skills
- Strong business partnering and influential communication
A Bonus If
- You can drive transformation and offer commercial insights
Why Verian?
- Impactful role with opportunities for growth
- Hybrid & flexible working
How To Apply
Ready to make an impact? We’d welcome your application! Apply online today, and if your profile matches, we’ll be in touch for an initial exploratory interview. We encourage applications from all sections of society and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the application and interview process.
Head of Cost Centre Accounting employer: Verian Group
Contact Detail:
Verian Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cost Centre Accounting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in cost centre accounting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled cost management challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to Verian.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your business partnering skills! During interviews, highlight examples where you've collaborated with departmental heads to drive cost discipline and improve financial governance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Verian team and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cost Centre Accounting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Cost Centre Accounting. Highlight your experience with cost accounting, budgeting, and financial governance. We want to see how your skills align with what Verian is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about making an impact in public policy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Let us know what drives you!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully translated complex data into actionable insights. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verian Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Cost Centre Accounting, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of cost accounting principles. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific methodologies for cost allocation and reporting. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cost visibility in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
This role requires excellent analytical abilities, so come prepared with examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights. Think about times when your analysis led to strategic recommendations or improved financial governance, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Verian's mission and the sectors they operate in. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their purpose-led approach and how you can contribute to their projects that drive social change. This shows you're not just about numbers but also about making an impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to explain how you'd approach a specific cost challenge or variance analysis. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly.