Cost Optimisation Analyst | S2 | CFO - Cost Management | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility

Santander; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rewards

Wellbeing program

Life-stage support

Volunteer opportunities

Global growth

Job summary

Santander in Milton Keynes is seeking a Cost Optimisation Analyst to join the CFO Cost Management team. You will support month-end cost processes, forecasts, budgets, and long-range planning, while driving process improvement and risk management across the Cost Optimisation Office.

The role requires CIMA/ACCA or equivalent qualifications (or progress), strong management accounting skills, and excellent communication. A hybrid work pattern and career development within Santander are offered.

Qualifications

• CIMA / ACCA (or equivalent) qualified, part-qualified/studying or significant experience in working in a finance/cost function (Required)
• Experience of management accounting fundamentals; month end, planning, forecasting and reporting (Required)
• Ability to undertake complex analytical/modelling techniques. Able to deal with complex issues and undertake bespoke analysis when requested (Required)
• Experience of Risk Management in a Finance environment (Preferred)
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and prioritisation skills (Required)
• Resilient and comfortable operating under pressure with tight timeframes (Required)
• Self- motivated individual with the ability to work independently (Preferred)
• Passionate about delivering excellent customer service, all of the time (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Month end cost processes including journals, reconciliation and reporting
• Supporting Finance Business Partners in the production of the monthly forecast, annual budget and 3- and 5-year plans
• Documentation of owned processes and procedures, ensuring regular review to confirm their effectiveness
• Continuous improvement of owned processes utilising new techniques and technology to drive automation and improve efficiency
• The identification and management of risks within the Cost Optimisation Office and wider cost landscape
• Provision of ad hoc management information as required to support effective cost management within CFO

Skills

Management accounting

Analytical modelling

Risk management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Prioritisation

Independent working

Customer service

Education

Degree

Job description

Cost Optimisation Analyst | S2 | CFO - Cost Management | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility

Country: United Kingdom

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

The Chief Finance Officer function is looking for a Cost Optimisation Analyst based out of Milton Keynes.

The Cost Optimisation Office is responsible for the production of accurate and timely cost information, used across the wider Finance Community.

As a Cost Optimisation Analyst, you will work collaboratively with our Finance Business Partner teams and other teams across CFO and the wider Bank, supporting them in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of cost information. You're passionate about providing high-quality outputs and are continuously looking for ways to improve processes and better manage risk. You'll have an interest in how new technologies; particularly AI and process automation tools and techniques; can support more traditional accounting requirements. Personal development is important to you, and you see how building knowledge and experience of cost management processes can support your career.

We're shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Month end cost processes including journals, reconciliation and reporting
• Supporting Finance Business Partners in the production of the monthly forecast, annual budget and 3- and 5-year plans
• Documentation of owned processes and procedures, ensuring regular review to confirm their effectiveness
• Continuous improvement of owned processes utilising new techniques and technology to drive automation and improve efficiency
• The identification and management of risks within the Cost Optimisation Office and wider cost landscape
• Provision of ad hoc management information as required to support effective cost management within CFO

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We're enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Professional Experience:

• CIMA / ACCA (or equivalent) qualified, part-qualified/studying or significant experience in working in a finance/cost function (Required)

Education:

• Degree (Preferred)

Hard Skills:

• Experience of management accounting fundamentals; month end, planning, forecasting and reporting (Required)
• Ability to undertake complex analytical/modelling techniques. Able to deal with complex issues and undertake bespoke analysis when requested (Required)
• Experience of Risk Management in a Finance environment (Preferred)

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and prioritisation skills (Required)
• Resilient and comfortable operating under pressure with tight timeframes (Required)
• Self- motivated individual with the ability to work independently (Preferred)
• Passionate about delivering excellent customer service, all of the time (Preferred)

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return.

Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It's about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive - personally and professionally.

Salary Range:

£38,200.00 - £57,300.00 per annum (depending on experience)

This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work - we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage - from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what's possible across our international network.

Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

At Santander, we're proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone - regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We're committed to creating a recruitment experience that's accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.

We want our people to thrive - at work and at home - while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles).