Cost Controller

AE Partners; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Subsistence allowance for long travel

Job summary

AE Partners is seeking a cost controller for a major UK infrastructure programme. You will monitor project costs, prepare regular cost reports, and provide actionable insights to support performance. The role involves NEC contract governance and collaboration with finance, commercial and delivery teams.

Experience on large-scale projects, strong Excel/ERP skills, and a professional accounting qualification are essential. The position is on-site in the Ipswich area with a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA).
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure/construction projects.
• Strong understanding of NEC Defined Cost and Disallowed Cost principles.
• Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience (e.g. Oracle).
• Strong analytical capability, attention to detail and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Cost Control & Reporting: monitor costs against budget and forecasts, prepare reports.
• Audit & Compliance: support NEC contract requirements and governance standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: interface with finance, commercial, procurement and delivery teams.
• Forecasting & Financial Planning: improve forecasting accuracy and manage costs and risks.
• Process Improvement: strengthen financial governance and reporting processes.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant

Infrastructure project experience

NEC contract knowledge

Excel & ERP (Oracle)

Analytical thinking & communication

Education

Chartered Accountant / equivalent

Tools

Oracle ERP

Excel

Job description

Basic Salary comes with a 15% project uplift on top

Plus a performance based bonus

Plus subsistence when working over 75km from site

Our client is at the forefront of the Sizewell C nuclear power station development - one of the UK's largest and most exciting infrastructure programmes.

We're responsible for preparing the foundations of the entire site: designing and constructing cut‑off walls, retaining structures, soil improvements and more. Using advanced geotechnical engineering and world‑class construction technologies, this is a rare opportunity to contribute to a national project that will shape the UK's clean‑energy future.

What You'll Be Doing

• Cost Control & Reporting: Monitor project costs against budget, forecasts and NEC Defined Cost principles, preparing regular cost reports including Disallowed Cost and fee‑based forecasts. Analyse variances and provide clear, actionable insights to support project performance.
• Audit & Compliance: Coordinate responses to audit requests, ensure timely resolution of findings, and support compliance with NEC contract requirements, Works Information and joint‑venture governance standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a key interface between finance, commercial, procurement and delivery teams, providing financial insight, supporting decision‑making and embedding lessons learned across the project.
• Forecasting & Financial Planning: Improve forecasting accuracy, support management of committed costs, accruals and financial risks, and identify opportunities for cost optimisation and efficiency.
• Process Improvement: Contribute to strengthening financial governance, controls and reporting processes, including segregation of duties and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA)
• Experience working on large‑scale infrastructure, construction or engineering projects
• Strong understanding of NEC contracts, including Defined Cost and Disallowed Cost principles
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle)
• Strong analytical capability, attention to detail and clear communication skills

Desirable

• Experience working on major projects or within joint‑venture environments
• Familiarity with Oracle E1 or similar ERP systems
• Experience working with Tier‑1 contractors