Cost Control Finance

Job Description

DE&S/SDA Cost Control Finance£32,500 - £35,000 per annum (plus benefits)BristolThe Project Controls function is responsible for providing the right information, at the right time, to support better-informed decisions. Driving accountability, responsibilityand efficiency, our Project Controls teams are involved in all phases of every project helping to predict and oversee time and cost management.Were an Association for Project Management accredited organisation, and as part of our team youll benefit fromplenty of opportunities for development, on-going training, access to funded professional qualifications, and a c.27% employer pension contribution. Youll also have access to a wide range of employee networks, including the Womens Inclusive Network, Race& Culture Network, Pride Network, Disability Networkand many more. We recognise that the best people for the job may have commitments outside of work, so were pleased to promote flexible working to support our colleagues in balancing work and home life.ProjectDelivery is a key function within DE&S/ SDA and plays a vital role in ensuring the success of projects by providing Estimating, Cost Control, Planning and Scheduling, Risk Management and Project Management. What makes us unique is that we are involved in allphases of a project from the proposal through to completion, ensuring work is delivered on time and within budget.We have multiple exciting vacancies available across both DE&S/ SDA for Cost Control specialists. Successful candidates will take key roles withinthe function to provide robust support across a variety of high value and complex projects and portfolios.As a Cost Controller you will be responsible for the consistency and accuracy of management cost information and financial performance reporting the purchaseof military equipment, as well as the support for it once its in use. The main part of this role is to record, analyse and report project costs and undertake related cost control activities, ensuring all financial and performance reporting requirements aremet. You will also be required to provide assurance that projects comply with DE&S and Departmental policy in respect of all cost activities, providing support to, and working under the guidance of the Cost Control Finance Lead and the wider team.A backgroundin the defence sector is not a prerequisite as we welcome applicants from a broad spectrum of industries and sectors.Due to security requirements some of these posts are reserved for SOLE UK NATIONALS ONLY.Please note due to the nature of these role, thereis an expectation that you will be required to attend Abbey Wood when needed to successfully undertake them.We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, RelevantExperience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.Responsibilities for DE&S/SDA Cost Control FinanceWork with Project Delivery Team to produce and report financial forecasting for 12-month and 10-year periods, collaborating with project managers; providing challenge,conducting variance analysis including financial risk commentary.Monitoring and recording spend using a variety of financial reports and systems; and reconciliation with accounting systems to produce month end management accounts. Ensuring a clear audittrail and consistently monitor project cost spend against these approvals.Produce accrual and general journals to ensure robust supporting evidence is included. Actively support the Cost Control Finance lead with any audit and compliance requestsProvideFinancial input, challenge and information at the Monthly Financial Performance review with the wider delivery team to empower stakeholder decision making.Work closely with the wider delivery team to implement Cost Loaded Schedules to drive forecasting.Assist with the production of Earned Value Management analysis to demonstrate project performance and analyse variances to plan, determine impact on the schedule and cost to complete the scope of work. Ensure consistency with In-Year Management and EarnedValue Management reporting.To be able to communicate complex financial performance data in a simple and understandable form to key members of the Project Delivery Team and non-financiers.Work with Cost Estimators and Cost Control Lead to develop costmodels and assist in the production of Investment Appraisals.What you will be assessed againstTo be successful with your application you must demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:Previous experience in cost or budgeting and forecastingExperienceof working independently and with in a teamBe able to provide advice on specific financial subjects to StakeholdersIt will also benefit your application if you are able to demonstrate the following desirable criteria:Desirable to hold or be willing to worktowards a suitable technical/professional qualification such as AAT, CIMA or similar.Awareness of wider Project Delivery principles/techniques e.g. Earned Value ManagementWorking experience of various financial systems and reconciling between themHave someknowledge in Variance AnalysisIn addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competencies and behaviours will be assessed at interview:Cost ManagementFinancial Planning, reporting and Resource allocationWorking togetherCommunicating andinfluencingWhats in it for youOur careers offer stability, training, progressionand much more! Discover more about what our organisations offer in the DE&S Little Book of Big Benefits and the SDA Benefits. Find out more about our pension schemes.Wereexploring future ways of working with a flexible and a family-friendly approach in mind. This means that successful candidates may be offered the option of hybrid working, combining working at home with working at their contractual location. Further informationrelevant to hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post, to find a balance that suits your needs and those of the organisation. Please note that employees are responsible for meeting the cost of their travel to and from workwhen attending site.We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a great place to work that reflects the diversity of the society we serve. To help us do this, we particularly encourage applications from women, ethnicminorities, disabled people and people from LGBT communities. By bringing together different ideas, experiences and perspectives, we can achieve our ambitions, together.Closing date: 26th September 2022.