Cost Reporting Manager in City of London

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest-growing data centre provider. We own, design, build, and operate some of the most energy-efficient, flexible, and secure data centres in Europe. In 2023, we announced our expansion into continental Europe, starting with Berlin and growing across the region. At VIRTUS, we aim to be a positive force in the fourth industrial revolution—delivering innovative solutions while staying rooted in our values: Care, Helpful, Pride, Reliability and Dedication.

Job Summary

The Cost Reporting Manager in the finance and cost management department plays a pivotal role in communicating the project status as seen through a cost lens to senior stakeholders in the business and thus helping drive decision making on projects across the business. This position is essential for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of CAPEX cost forecasts, budget allocations, and expenditure tracking across projects. The Cost Reporting Manager acts as a bridge between Construction and Finance departments, bringing data and actionable insights to the decision making forum.

Main Activities

• Data extraction and manipulation using finance ERP systems such as SAP.
• Analysis of large datasets for CAPEX to detect patterns, anomalies, and opportunities for data quality improvements and behaviour change across the business.
• Preparation and presentation of concise reports and dashboards for key stakeholders.
• Continuous supervision and reporting of cost and cashflow performance against project budgets and forecasts.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

The Cost Reporting team is responsible for producing a set of critical deliverables that directly support the organisation’s financial oversight and project management capabilities. These deliverables ensure that stakeholders have access to accurate, timely, and actionable information that supports strategic and operational decisions across the VIRTUS DC portfolio in the UK and EMEA and enables VIRTUS to plan the financing timing more accurately.

• Comprehensive Cost Reports: Generation of regular (monthly) and ad-hoc reports with data from different sources (SAP, project reports, etc.) detailing cost trends, budget variances, cashflow and expenditure summaries tailored to dedicated project and cost manager needs, such as payment reports, PR/PO reports from SAP.
• Forecasting Models: Development, maintenance, and refinement of (monthly) forecasts that project future costs and cashflows for multiple ongoing and upcoming projects based on available cost/cashflow reports. Ensure alignment of forecasting models and reporting outputs.
• Data Dashboards: Upkeep of (monthly) dashboards that provide real-time visibility into key costs and cashflows, enabling swift identification of issues and opportunities, such as monthly consolidated cost and cashflow reports. Track and log project change requests and support reconciliation processes.
• Data Quality Documentation: Creation of data cleansing protocols and execution of regular (monthly) data cleansing for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of cost and cashflow data utilised in analysis and reporting, including the creation, review and cleansing of monthly project and WBS budget reports.
• Process Improvement Recommendations: Delivery of actionable recommendations for process enhancements aimed at improving data collection, analysis efficiency, and reporting accuracy such as usage of extended SAP functionality, approval processes in ERP system, process automation, usage of AI.
• Stakeholder Briefing Materials: Preparation of concise presentations and briefing materials that communicate consolidated costs and cashflow analyses and findings to stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, such as corporate finance, finance planning & analysis, treasury, external consultants and senior management.
• Audits: Maintain documentation for compliance and audit readiness; assist in preparing data and documentation for lender audits and development audit reports.
• Project Close-Outs: Support final account close-out by validating cost data and asset registers.

By consistently delivering these outputs, the Cost Reporting Manager plays a key role in promoting transparency, accuracy, and informed decision-making within the cost management function as well the wider VIRTUS organisation. In addition, the role develops building confidence with stakeholders, the communication within the business and joined up thinking.

Required Profile

The ideal candidate is detail-orientated, analytical, and self-motivated. Strong numerical and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to communicate complex findings in a clear and accessible manner. Proficiency with data management tools and reporting software is required, alongside a collaborative approach to teamwork. Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills are critical, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels, influence decision-making, and foster strong cross-functional partnerships. A strong team player mindset is essential, with the ability to contribute positively to group objectives, support colleagues, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Professional Background

A degree in finance, accounting, economics, data analytics, or a related discipline is typically required. Previous experience in a finance or cost management environment, particularly within construction or infrastructure projects, is highly desirable. Familiarity with ERP systems (especially SAP) will be necessary; working knowledge of industry-specific processes will be advantageous. In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.