Cost Controller

Job Description

About the role

Amazing infrastructure isn’t the only thing that gets built here. Incredible careers do too. Join Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution team as a Cost Controller in Motherwell and help deliver critical infrastructure that powers communities across the region.

What you’ll be doing

As part of the project finance team, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the accurate management, monitoring and reporting of project costs, while providing valuable financial support to both operational and commercial stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting project teams with cost-related queries, providing analysis, validation and financial insight.
  • Assisting the Commercial function by ensuring accurate cost allocation and producing weekly cost reports.
  • Conducting variance analysis to compare actual costs against forecasts and budgets.
  • Monitoring and tracking project costs to help ensure financial performance targets are achieved.
  • Supporting the Senior Finance Manager and Commercial Lead with ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requirements.
  • Working closely with project teams to facilitate monthly and quarterly audits, providing cost samples and supporting validation activities.
  • Building effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders across Finance, Commercial, HR and Project teams.
  • Liaising with suppliers, contractors and client representatives to support project and audit requirements.
  • Undertaking additional duties and project support activities as required by the Senior Finance Manager.
  • Who we’re looking for

    We’re seeking a motivated and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced project environment and is keen to develop their financial and commercial knowledge. You’ll be highly organised, adaptable and confident working with a wide range of stakeholders.

  • A positive, practical approach and a willingness to take ownership of your work.
  • The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • A proactive mindset with a genuine enthusiasm for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently using your own initiative.
  • A keen eye for detail, ensuring tasks are reviewed, prioritised and completed accurately.
  • Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience using Oracle R12 or similar finance systems would be advantageous but is not essential.
  • A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites when required.
  • An interest in developing an understanding of Oracle R12 CVR processes and the relationship between commercial project reporting and financial reporting.
  • Why work for us

    Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

    Why join us?

    As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

  • – Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
  • – 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
  • – Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
  • – Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more
  • About us

    Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

    From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on-going maintenance, our in-house experts, flexible resources and industry-leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.

    Diversity and inclusion

    At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit

    To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence ‘Employer Recognition Scheme’ and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

    As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit

    We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at

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