Cost Analyst

CV Bay Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist recruitment agency is seeking a Cost Analyst to join a leading firm in Birmingham. This role supports the commercial function across infrastructure projects by delivering accurate cost reporting and financial analysis. Responsibilities include preparing financial reports, assisting with budgeting and cost control, and supporting project managers with financial insights. Ideal candidates will have a degree in finance or a related discipline and experience in project-based environments. Strong Excel skills and analytical abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a project-based or cost control environment, ideally in infrastructure or construction.
• Strong Excel skills including formulas and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present monthly and periodic financial reports across multiple projects.
• Assist with budget setting, cost planning, and business plan preparation.
• Support commercial finance management across a range of infrastructure projects.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree level in Finance, Business, Construction, Engineering

Job description

Cost Analyst

Salary: £32,000

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Working Pattern: Fully office-based

Location: Birmingham centre - Office based

We are recruiting a Cost Analyst to support the commercial function across a portfolio of construction / infrastructure projects based in Birmingham.

The role will focus on delivering accurate cost reporting, financial analysis, and forecasting, supporting project teams and senior commercial manager with high-quality financial information. You will be responsible for monitoring project costs, maintaining financial controls, and ensuring compliance with governance and change control processes throughout the project lifecycle.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in a project-based, cost-focused environment who are looking to develop their career within commercial finance and infrastructure delivery.

Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and present monthly and periodic financial reports across multiple projects.
• Analyse actual costs versus budgets and forecasts, identifying variances, risks, and trends.
• Support programme and project managers with cost analysis and financial performance insight.
• Produce ad hoc financial and cost reports to support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Contribute to project forecasting, cost tracking, and change control processes.
• Prepare and post monthly cost journals, accruals, and adjustments to ensure accurate project financial reporting.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Assist with budget setting, cost planning, and business plan preparation, liaising with stakeholders.
• Manage the day-to-day financial aspects of project contracts, ensuring spend remains within approved budgets.
• Monitor commitments, accruals, and cost movements to ensure accurate cost capture.
• Ensure compliance with financial governance, approval frameworks, and internal controls.
• Support and participate in monthly project performance reviews, challenging variances where required.

Commercial & Stakeholder Support

• Support commercial finance management across a range of infrastructure projects.
• Build effective relationships with project, commercial, and operational teams.
• Promote financial awareness and cost discipline across the organisation.
• Provide clear and timely financial information to support decision-making.

General Responsibilities

• Manage reconciliation, reporting, and analysis of project financial data.
• Maintain accurate financial records to support audits and internal reviews.
• Accurately manage large sets of financial data, adding to journals, and adding customer codes to the spreadsheets of over 30,000 customers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in Finance, Business, Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a project-based or cost control environment (infrastructure, construction, engineering, or similar).
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, functions, and data analysis.

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Understanding of commercial finance, cost management, and project controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to identify opportunities for process improvement.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV. A consultant will contact you to discuss your experience, transferable skills, and availability for interview.