Cost Controller

Legendre Group; City of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international construction firm is seeking a Cost Controller in London to manage financial monitoring and cost management across various projects. This role demands a proactive finance professional who can work autonomously and collaborate effectively with project leads. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in cost control, budgeting, and compliance. This position offers opportunities for travel to France and the Channel Islands.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial monitoring and cost management.
• Proactive and autonomous in working across international jurisdictions.
• Hands-on and entrepreneurial approach to finance.

Responsibilities

• Track project costs throughout all phases of the project lifecycle.
• Assist in the preparation of project and company budgets.
• Prepare and maintain monthly Business Unit Dashboard.
• Ensure adherence to company financial policies and procedures.
• Monitor key cash flow indicators.

Skills

Cost Control

Financial Monitoring

Budgeting

Forecasting

Reporting

Compliance

Data Entry

Job description

Are you a detail-driven finance professional looking to bring your expertise to international construction projects?

We are seeking a highly proactive and autonomous Cost Controller to oversee financial monitoring and cost management across multiple construction projects in the UK, Channel Islands (Jersey & Guernsey) and Switzerland.

This standalone role will work closely with project leads and senior management to drive financial accountability, compliance and performance. You will also collaborate with support functions including accounting and HR to ensure seamless financial operations and reporting.

The idea candidate will be hands-on, entrepreneurial and confident working across international jurisdictions.

The role is based in London but requires travels to France, Channel Islands and Switzerland. They might be based few weeks in Rennes, France (HQ).

Your main tasks:

1. Cost Control & Monitoring

• Track and monitor project costs throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, working closely with Project Leads.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive cost control files, reports, and financial spreadsheets.
• Support Project Managers and Directors in analysing cost variances and identifying corrective actions.
• Monitor client and subcontractor payments to ensure deadlines are met.
• Oversee post-completion financial reconciliation and head office cost allocations.

2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of overhead, project, and company budgets.
• Conduct monthly reviews of financial forecasts, analysing trends and variances.

3. Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain the monthly Business Unit Dashboard.
• Ensure accurate and timely cost records to support effective decision-making.
• Oversee performance bond tracking (setup and release), project insurance, and related documentation.

4. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure adherence to company financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Represent the international business unit at Group level meetings.
• Adapt financial processes to meet local legal and business requirements.

5. Finance Systems

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date data entry within financial software systems.
• Act as the main point of contact for expense software queries and user support.
• Gather feedback and contribute to continuous improvement of financial tools and systems.

6. Accounting & Banking

• Monitor key cash flow indicators and proactively support improvement initiatives.
• Liaise closely with the international accounting team to ensure alignment, accuracy, and compliance.