Role - Programme Cost Controller
Location - Glasgow
Rate - inside IR35
Must be Sole British and worked in the UK for last 5 years
Support the Programme Controls and Integration Manager with the establishment of the Programme Cost Control and Management function. Work with the Programme Management Team and Delivery Agents' Cost & Finance teams to provide informed and assured cost actuals, in year forecasts in accordance with the accounting period(s), as well as overall Programme budget reporting and forward planning in alignment with the Annual Budgetary Cycle.
* Assume ownership for the Programme Cost Management function and the Cost Management Plan, part of the Programme Management Plan.
* Create and maintain an integrated programme cost management function and control cost data. Work closely with the Programme Management, Programme Control Team and Delivery Agencies to gather cost data to facilitate accurate cost and financial updates as required by the Programme drumbeat.
* Lead the set up and introduction of Earned Value Management (EVM) approach across the Programme and ensure integration of data for Programme level reporting.
* Lead the set up and development of the Programme Cost Control function delivery performance metrics to be used for Programme performance reporting.
* Support the provision of informed forecasts for the Project (for the Financial Year and Project Lifecycle)
* Collaborate with the Programme Planning functions to ensure forecasts are informed and aligned to the programme.
* Review and Track Costs and Forecasts at Programme level to ensure and demonstrate continued affordability.
* Ensure Cost Reporting Outputs for the Programme are prepared in a timely manner for accounting period reporting, inputting into all relevant internal financial systems. Provide insights and analysis of the monthly, quarterly and annual Programme performance from a cost management perspective.
* Monitoring Programme change, from a cost perspective and attend the Programme change control meetings.
* Undertake deep dive analysis of areas where cost forecasts differ from actuals offering clarity of reasons for differences as well as recommendation for further action(s).
* As the functional lead for Cost Management within the programme, develop processes and tools to ensure consistent capture and high-quality, regular reporting of information required for Cost control. This will align with programme requirements.
* Support the Programme Controls and Integration Manager with the establishment of Programme Control capabilities, including governance.
* Support analysis of cost performance data, advising root cause analysis and recommend actions to correct.
* Promote open communication and collaboration between all parties including programme and customer organisations. Carry out quality checks to ensure projects are adhering to best practices.
* Liaise with other agencies to seek and share Learning From experience and best practice for the Cost Management Function.
* Lead through matrix management the Cost Control Function of the Programme and ensure consistency of approach and alignment across the Programme in the collation, analysis and reporting of Programme Costs ensuring the outputs are compatible with the needs of the Finance team.
* Other duties requested by, or as agreed with, the Programme Controls and Integration Manager.
Qualifications
* Over 5 years' experience at Senior Level in leading teams and Controlling Costs of Major Programmes.
* Generation and presentation of Programme reports for senior management.
* Proactive and able to use own initiative to solve problems and see opportunities for continuous improvement.
* Excellent knowledge of cost management function set up and Programme cost monitoring EVM techniques, including the ability to interrogate 3rd party input.
* Experience of major programmes/projects containing integrated cost control.
* Experience across all stages of the programme/project lifecycle.
* Good understanding of the various methods of Project Controls functions i.e. planning, programme, and progress monitoring.
* Strong understanding of risk and opportunity management with reference to planning and programming.
* Strong understanding of the events that initiate, and of the methods used to demonstrate delay or change.
* Proficient use of Microsoft Applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Awareness of Power BI and SharePoint.
* Strong communication skills, including written and verbal communication.
* Relevant project cost control management qualification(s).
* Member of relevant professional body