Senior Cost Analyst

Automobile Association; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company transforming cost management. In this role, you'll shape strategies for financial oversight, drive efficiency, and provide insights for informed decision-making. We seek proactive individuals with strong financial acumen and a passion for driving change.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution

Free AA breakdown membership

Discounts on AA products

Employee discount scheme

Company funded life assurance

Diverse learning and development opportunities

Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong financial and business acumen required.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel for data analysis is key.
• Experience in strategic thinking and cost control advantages.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cost Management initiatives to drive strategic change.
• Design and deliver data-driven insights for resource allocation.
• Report on cost management to senior decision-makers.

Skills

Financial and Business Acumen

Advanced Excel

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Cost Control Expertise

Education

Training or academic qualifications in economics, business, or finance

Experience within a large corporate organisation

Expertise in engineering or manufacturing process design

Job description

Location: Basingstoke hybrid 3x per week in office

Employment Type: 6-month FTC

Hours: Monday-Friday 36.25 hours per week

Salary: Competitive salary plus up to 12% annual bonus

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again!

As one of the UK's most trusted brands, we provide a wide range of services to millions of customers. From comprehensive Home and Motor Insurance to personalised Financial Services like Loans and Savings, and outstanding B2B, Consumer, Business Services, Driver Training, Car Care, and Service Maintenance and Repair, we've got you covered. Our mission is to keep Britain moving, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Ready to join us?

#LI-CL1 #LI-Hybird

This is the job

The AA is transforming how it manages expenses across the business. While cost management may not seem immediately exciting, it is fundamental to the success of high-performing organisations—and the AA is committed to becoming one.

This role is central to defining and implementing a new approach to ensure the AA makes the most effective use of its money, time, and people in achieving its strategic objectives. You will lead the analysis of business-wide data, providing key insights to enhance controls, identify opportunities for efficiency, and support the reprioritisation of spending. Your expertise will directly contribute to shaping a smarter, more cost-conscious future for the AA.

What will I be doing?

As a key member of the Cost Management team, you will play a vital role in shaping the AA’s strategic approach to cost management. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading Cost Management Initiatives – Helping to develop and establish the function that drives the AA’s strategic change
• Implementing an Enterprise-wide Cost Strategy – Supporting the Head of Cost Management in delivering a comprehensive approach to cost control, covering all aspects of Opex and ensuring value-for-money Capex spending
• Providing Data-driven Insights – Designing and delivering analysis to deepen understanding of the AA’s cost base and support informed decision-making on resource allocation
• Financial Modelling – Utilising data from multiple sources to support fact-based decision-making and strategic planning
• Driving Cost Efficiency – Developing new initiatives to enhance cost control and efficiency, including establishing governance and controls around key spending areas
• Collaborating Across Business Functions – Working closely with Finance, the COO function, and AA business units to assess cost drivers, strengthen cost disciplines, and implement efficiency measures
• Reporting for Senior Decision-makers – Producing key reports for the fortnightly Cost Management Committees, the senior group responsible for overseeing the AA’s expenses

Your expertise will be instrumental in driving smarter cost management, strengthening financial oversight, and ensuring the AA continues to operate efficiently and effectively.

What do I need?

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Strong Financial and Business Acumen – A solid understanding of financial and business controls
• Advanced Excel and Analytical Skills – Ability to handle data from multiple sources, conduct financial modelling, and perform detailed analysis
• Strategic Thinking – Experience in business planning, strategy development, and creating business cases
• Cost Control Expertise – Experience in developing and implementing cost controls would be advantageous

Education & Qualifications

This is a highly numerate and analytical role. The ideal candidate should possess one or more of the following:

• Training or academic qualifications in economics, business, or finance
• Experience within a large corporate organisation
• Expertise in engineering or manufacturing process design or working in a controls environment
• Background in a change or transformation function

Personal Characteristics

• Organised, logical, and fact-based with strong numeracy skills
• Accurate and detail-oriented
• Passionate about learning and driving change
• Reliable and able to meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present financial information clearly and concisely
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across the business
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and a self-starter—capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change