Bristol, Somerset
REED Talent Solutions

We have exciting vacancies available within the SDA for Cost Control specialists. Successful candidates will take key roles within the 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 purchase of 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 are met. You will also be required to provide assurance that projects comply with SDA 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.

You’ll benefit from various routes to develop your career which includes access to specialist training and the opportunity to be supported in attaining professional qualifications. Once you have been working for at least 6 months you will become eligible to apply for the Finance Internal Scheme (FIS) which, if you are successful, will allow you the opportunity to study for a financial qualification such as AAT/CIMA. To note, this scheme is open for applications once a year and provides individuals with not only the funding for the relevant qualification but also study leave.

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

What you’ll be doing

• Working with the 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 audit trail and consistently monitor project cost spend against these approvals.
• Producing accrual and general journals to ensure robust supporting evidence is included.
• Actively supporting the Cost Control Finance lead with any audit and compliance requests.
• Providing Financial input, challenge and information at the Monthly Financial Performance review with the wider delivery team to empower stakeholder decision making.
• Working closely with the wider delivery team to implement Cost Loaded Schedules to drive forecasting.
• Assisting 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.
• Ensuring consistency with In-Year Management and Earned Value Management reporting.
• Communicating complex financial performance data in a simple and understandable form to key members of the Project Delivery Team and non-financiers.
• Working with Cost Estimators and Cost Control Lead to develop cost models and assist in the production of Investment Appraisals.
• Working closely with Cost Control and Risk Management to ensure cost and Risk are appropriately identified and managed in the project plan and to support Schedule Risk Analysis for decision making.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Previous experience in budgeting and forecasting
• Experience of working independently and within a team
• Be able to provide advice on specific financial subjects to Stakeholders

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Cost Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,800, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,396 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.