Cost Clerk

Building Careers UK Ltd; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Package and benefits

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is recruiting a Cost Clerk to support finance and commercial teams within a construction environment. The role focuses on maintaining accurate project cost records, processing supplier and subcontractor invoices, and monitoring expenditure against budgets.

The successful candidate will have strong numerical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work in a busy construction setting while liaising with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost administration, accounts payable or finance administration is advantageous.
• Construction industry experience would be beneficial.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to accuracy.
• Good organisational and time-management skills and ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain project cost information and cost records.
• Check and process supplier and subcontractor invoices.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and update cost schedules.
• Prepare cost reports for commercial and finance teams.
• Liaise with suppliers, site teams and internal departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Support cost analysis and budget updates for projects.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Accounting/Finance/Business qualification

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an established construction business looking to appoint an organised and detail-oriented Cost Clerk to support its finance and commercial departments.

Working closely with the commercial, finance, procurement and project teams, the successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining accurate cost records, monitoring project expenditure and ensuring supplier and subcontractor invoices are processed efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in finance administration, accounts payable, cost control or construction administration who is looking to develop their career within the construction sector.

The Role

The Cost Clerk will support the day-to-day financial and commercial operations of the business, helping ensure project costs are accurately recorded, monitored and reported.

You will be responsible for maintaining project cost information, checking and processing invoices, monitoring expenditure against budgets and assisting with regular cost reporting. You will also liaise with suppliers, subcontractors and internal teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure financial records remain accurate and up to date.

The ideal candidate will have strong numerical skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage a varied workload within a busy construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Control & Monitoring

Maintain accurate cost records for construction projects and company operations.

Monitor project expenditure against budgets and approved cost allocations.

Assist with preparing cost reports and identifying discrepancies or variances.

Track material, labour, plant, equipment and subcontractor costs.

Maintain project cost schedules and ensure information is regularly updated.

Provide accurate cost information to support commercial and financial decision-making.

Receive, check and process supplier and subcontractor invoices.

Verify invoices against purchase orders, delivery notes and approved work records.

Assist with maintaining payment schedules and monitoring outstanding invoices.

Identify invoice discrepancies and liaise with relevant departments to resolve issues.

Support the reconciliation of supplier and subcontractor accounts.

Ensure invoices and supporting documentation are processed in line with company procedures.

Reporting & Documentation

Prepare regular cost summaries and expenditure reports.

Maintain organised records of purchase orders, invoices, receipts and project expenses.

Assist with monthly cost reporting and financial reconciliations.

Provide cost information to the Commercial Manager, Finance Manager and project teams.

Ensure financial and commercial records are accurate, complete and readily available for review or audit.

Support the maintenance of reliable reporting systems and administrative processes.

Procurement & Project Support

Assist with tracking material orders and subcontractor commitments.

Liaise with procurement teams, site staff, suppliers and subcontractors regarding cost information.

Monitor outstanding purchase orders and committed project expenditure.

Support the commercial team with cost analysis and budget updates.

Help ensure project expenditure is recorded accurately and promptly.

Assist with resolving queries relating to orders, invoices and supplier accounts.

Requirements

Previous experience in cost administration, accounts payable, finance administration or a similar role would be advantageous.

Experience within construction or a related industry would be beneficial.

A qualification in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline is desirable.

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and general office applications.

Familiarity with accounting software or construction cost-management systems would be advantageous.

Basic understanding of construction costs, purchase orders and subcontractor invoices is beneficial.

Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Good organisational and time-management skills.

Ability to handle confidential financial information appropriately.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.

A proactive approach to identifying discrepancies and resolving issues.

What's on Offer

Package and benefits.

Full-time opportunity within an established construction business.

Exposure to both finance and commercial operations.

Opportunity to develop construction cost-control and financial administration experience.

Supportive working environment with opportunities to broaden your skills and experience.

Apply

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.