Cost Auditor

Key regional responsibilities

• Standardise and maintain the JV cost audit procedure, including templates, test plans, evidence requirements and reporting outputs.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all cost audits conducted on the JV, coordinating requests, timelines, site access and information flows.
• Work closely with client auditors and external partner auditors, ensuring a consistent approach, timely responses and high-quality evidence packs.
• Conduct cost audits on project expenditure, ensuring costs are valid, correctly coded, appropriately authorised and supported by evidence.
• Review and test controls around purchasing, timesheets, expenses, subcontractor payments and stock/materials usage (where applicable).
• Identify cost leakage, non-compliance, process weaknesses and emerging risks; escalate appropriately and support corrective actions.
• Perform variance analysis and trend reviews to highlight unusual movements and opportunities for improved cost control.
• Support month-end activities by validating cost accruals/prepayments and ensuring costs are captured in the correct period where required.
• Work closely with Finance and Commercial teams to maintain robust governance and ensure adherence to internal policies and contractual requirements.
• Partner with Finance and Commercial teams to design, implement and embed robust audit-proof processes, including clear ownership, controls, and document retention standards.
• Prepare clear audit summaries, findings and recommendations, including actions, owners and timescales; track progress to closure.
• Respond to ad-hoc audit requests, client queries and internal/external audit support as required.
• Maintain accurate working papers and documentation to evidence audit work and outcomes.
• Travel to operational sites in Sussex/Kent/Isle of Wight when required to complete on-site reviews and stakeholder engagement
• In all internal and external contact, present a professional and positive image of the department and business, maintaining constructive relationships.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality.
• Undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role.
• Ensure your own continuous professional development and keep up to date with best practice in audit, governance and cost control.
• Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach, providing open and honest feedback and building effective working relationships.
• Work confidently on your own initiative, whilst contributing effectively as part of the wider team.

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