Cost Controller

Contract Scotland; Bathgate; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Contract Scotland is seeking a proactive Project Cost Controller in Bathgate on a hybrid basis. You will monitor project costs, maintain financial records and support weekly cost reporting and CVR processes within the commercial team.

Ideal candidates will have construction industry experience, strong Excel skills and a solid understanding of CVR and project cost reporting, with effective stakeholder communication to highlight variances early.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction industry with cost control focus.
• Strong understanding of CVR and project cost reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel for financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor labour, plant, subcontractor and material costs against WBS.
• Prepare weekly cost reports and CVR sheets.
• Track variations and cost implications for budgets and forecasts.
• Review subcontractor invoices and ensure correct cost allocation.
• Support the Commercial team with cost information for reporting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Construction industry experience

Tools

Excel

COINS ERP

Cost reporting software

Job description

Project Cost Controller

Location: Bathgate, Scotland
Working Pattern: Hybrid working, subject to confirmation

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Project Cost Controller to join our client's commercial team in Bathgate. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a construction industry background and a strong understanding of project costs, commercial processes, and cost reporting.

Working closely with the Quantity Surveyor and wider project teams, you will play a key role in monitoring project expenditure, maintaining accurate financial records and supporting the preparation of weekly cost reports and Cost Value Reconciliation.

The successful candidate will help ensure project costs are accurately recorded, budgets are monitored effectively, and any financial risks or variances are identified and communicated at an early stage.

Key Responsibilities

Project Cost Control

• Monitor labour, plant, subcontractor and material costs across projects, ensuring all expenditure is accurately recorded against the correct Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Work closely with the QS and project teams to maintain accurate and up-to-date cost information.
• Monitor project expenditure against agreed budgets and forecasts, identifying and reporting potential overspends.

Cost Reporting and CVR

• Prepare weekly project cost reports and maintain Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) sheets.
• Monitor costs against project value, budgets and forecasts, investigating discrepancies and reporting significant variances.
• Support the Commercial team with monthly financial reporting and forecasting activities.
• Ensure cost information is accurate, consistent and available to support effective commercial decision-making.

Labour, Plant and Subcontractor Management

• Complete weekly checks on labour and plant costs, investigating discrepancies where required.
• Monitor plant utilisation and ensure equipment off-hires are actioned promptly to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Review subcontractor invoices and statements, resolving queries and ensuring costs are correctly allocated.
• Liaise with internal teams and subcontractors to address outstanding cost-related issues.

Contract and Commercial Support

• Track variations and compensation events, ensuring changes are recorded accurately and reflected in project costs and forecasts.
• Support the QS and wider Commercial team with contract-related cost information.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of commercial changes and their financial implications.

Financial Administration and Compliance

• Support the preparation of financial reports and ensure project records are maintained accurately.
• Review and clear Goods Received Notes (GRNs) in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate financial records and supporting compliance documentation.
• Assist with resolving invoice, procurement and cost allocation queries.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience within the construction industry.
• A sound understanding of project costs, subcontractor costs and commercial processes.
• An understanding of Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) and project cost reporting.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, with the ability to manage and analyse financial data.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to maintaining accurate records.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to investigate discrepancies, identify potential cost risks and work proactively to resolve issues.

Desirable

• Experience working across framework contracts and multiple projects.
• Previous experience within the utilities, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors.
• Experience using COINS ERP or a similar financial management system.
• Experience supporting Quantity Surveyors or commercial teams within a project-based environment.

Legal Information:

We act as an employment agency for permanent work and as an employment business for temporary work.

For roles in the UK, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

We value diversity and promote equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all areas of society and can discuss any reasonable adjustments to support your application.