Cost controller in infrastructure

VSL International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VSL International in London seeks an experienced Senior Cost Controller / Finance Manager to lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting for its UK project portfolio. The role requires strong SAP FI/CO skills, advanced Excel, and a proven track record in construction finance across multiple projects.

You will partner with Project Directors, Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveying teams to improve cost visibility, profitability and financial controls, while supporting ongoing SAP

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related discipline.
• 8–10 years' experience in project finance or cost control within construction/infrastructure.
• Advanced SAP experience FI/CO and project systems.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and cost-to-complete (EAC) skills.
• Strong Excel and financial modelling capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cost control and financial management across VSL's UK project portfolio, ensuring consistent practices.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly financial reporting across multiple projects.
• Develop and maintain EAC, cash flow and budget forecasts.
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and identify variances and risks.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance with Group requirements.
• Provide financial insight to Project Directors and Commercial teams for decision making.
• Coordinate monthly close processes, accruals, provisions and reconciliations.
• Consolidate project financial information for UK management and Group stakeholders.

Skills

Cost control

Business partnering

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

SAP FI/CO

Excel modelling

Project finance

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related discipline

Tools

SAP FI/CO

Excel

Job description

Описание:

VSL is a global specialist in engineering, construction and infrastructure solutions, and part of the Bouygues Construction Group. With expertise in specialist civil engineering, ground engineering, post-tensioning and complex structural solutions, VSL contributes to the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. Our UK portfolio includes significant infrastructure programmes across transport, energy and civil engineering, working alongside leading contractors and joint venture partners. We are seeking an experienced Senior Cost Controller / Finance Manager to join our UK team, with responsibility for overseeing financial management, cost control and reporting across VSL's UK project portfolio.

Задачи:

• Oversee cost control and financial management across VSL's UK project portfolio, ensuring consistent financial practices and reporting standards.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly financial reporting across multiple projects.
• Develop, consolidate and maintain cost-to-complete (EAC), cash flow and budget forecasts.
• Monitor actual expenditure against budgets and forecasts, identifying variances, trends and potential financial risks.
• Ensure robust financial governance, internal controls and compliance with company and Group requirements.
• Support project teams in improving cost visibility, financial accuracy and overall project profitability.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity and consistency of financial data within SAP (FI/CO and project systems).
• Coordinate monthly financial close processes, including accruals, provisions, reconciliations and cut-offs.
• Consolidate project financial information to provide clear reporting at UK business level.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports, dashboards and performance analyses for UK management and Group stakeholders.
• Support the development and improvement of SAP reporting tools, financial processes and cost-tracking systems.
• Promote standardised financial reporting and cost control practices across UK projects.
• Act as a key financial business partner to Project Directors, Project Managers, Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveying teams.
• Provide financial insight and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Review and challenge project forecasts, cost assumptions and financial projections.
• Ensure alignment between financial reporting, project progress, commercial performance and contractual commitments.
• Work closely with project teams to understand financial performance and support the achievement of project objectives.
• Provide financial input into project reviews, management meetings and business performance discussions.
• Identify, assess and monitor financial risks and opportunities across the UK project portfolio.
• Support the development of mitigation plans and financial performance improvement initiatives.
• Monitor project profitability, cash flow and financial exposure, escalating significant issues where appropriate.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting standards and project controls.
• Support the UK management team in driving financial discipline and operational efficiency.
• Act as a central point of contact for project finance and cost control across VSL UK.
• Coordinate financial reporting activities across project teams to ensure consistency and timely delivery.

Требования:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related discipline.
• Approximately 8-10 years' experience in project finance, financial management or cost control within construction, civil engineering or major infrastructure.
• Strong experience within the Bouygues Group or a comparable major construction or infrastructure organisation is essential.
• Demonstrable experience managing financial performance across multiple projects or a substantial project portfolio.
• Advanced SAP experience, particularly FI/CO and project-related financial systems.
• Strong expertise in project budgeting, forecasting, cost-to-complete (EAC), cash flow management and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities.
• Good understanding of construction project accounting, cost structures and financial controls.
• Strong understanding of the interfaces between Finance, Commercial, Quantity Surveying and Project Management.
• Ability to consolidate and analyse complex financial information across multiple projects.
• Highly analytical, commercially aware and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable working across multiple projects and managing competing priorities.
• Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and challenging financial assumptions constructively.
• Strong communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.
• Able to operate effectively in a dynamic, technically complex infrastructure environment.
• Будет плюсом: Experience in specialist civil engineering, ground engineering or major infrastructure programmes would be advantageous; Previous experience in a central or regional finance role would be beneficial

Условия:

This is an opportunity to take on a central finance role within VSL UK, supporting a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure and specialist engineering projects. Based in our London office, you will work closely with operational and commercial leadership, gaining broad exposure to the UK business while helping strengthen financial controls, reporting and project performance. As part of the wider Bouygues Construction Group, VSL offers the opportunity to contribute to technically challenging projects within an international engineering and construction environment.