IT Cost Controller

The Central IT Cost Controller plays a critical role in overseeing the administration, accounting, and management of both operating (Opex) and capital expenditure (Capex) within the IT function. This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining robust financial processes and controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across Central IT. In addition, the incumbent provides valuable financial insights, balance sheet assurance, and strategic business partnering support to the Central IT team, while contributing to the effective management of Group Central Costs—enabling strong financial governance, accurate cost control, and well-informed decision-making.

Principal Accountabilities:

IT Operating Expenditure Control: 

·       Account for IT operating expenditure in line with financial policies, standards, and accounting principles.

·       Proactive monitoring and analysis of IT Opex against budget and plan, investigating and explaining variances.

·       Process and manage financial transactions including journal vouchers, accruals, and prepayments.

·       Perform cost allocations, recoveries, adjustments, and clearing of suspense accounts.

·       Prepare reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and resolve financial queries.

·      Maintain accurate financial records, documentation, and audit trails to support financial control and minimise audit findings. 

IT Capital Expenditure Control; 

·       Manage IT capital expenditure (fixed assets) in accordance with financial policies, processes, and accounting standards.

·       Ensure capital expenditure transactions are accurately recorded, allocated, and processed timeously.

·       Perform reconciliations of capital expenditure and fixed asset balances to ensure accuracy and completeness.

·       Monitor Capex spend against approved budgets and project allocations.

·       Prepare and maintain quarterly Capex reports that are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

·       Maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails to support financial governance and minimise audit observations.

IT Balance Sheet Assurance

·       Prepare and perform reconciliations of IT-related balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with financial policies.

·       Investigate and resolve reconciling items, discrepancies, and aged balances in a timely manner.

·       Maintain supporting schedules and documentation for balance sheet accounts to ensure clear audit trails.

·       Ensure timely and accurate completion of monthly balance sheet substantiation and review processes.

·       Monitor and manage accruals, prepayments, and other IT-related balance sheet items to ensure correct accounting treatment.

·       Support internal and external audit processes by providing required balance sheet support and responding to audit queries.

·       Identify and implement improvements to balance sheet processes and controls to strengthen financial governance and reduce risk. 

Governance and Business Controls: 

·       Compliance (Finance Standards): Ensure all key control targets and standards are met in line with local country requirements and operated effectively across the interface. 

·       Audits (external/internal) and Business Control Reviews: Support internal/external audit requirements as appropriate. 

Central Cost Accounting and Reconciliation: 

·       Maintain accurate accounting records for central cost and recovery accounts in accordance with financial policies and accounting standards.

·       Prepare and perform reconciliations of central cost accounts to ensure completeness, accuracy, and appropriate cost allocation.

·       Process cost allocations, recoveries, and adjustments relating to central cost structures.

·       Support the recharging of direct cost recoveries.

·       Leverage automation to deliver efficiency and accuracy

·       Monitor central cost expenditure against budget and investigate and explain variances.

·       Ensure costs are correctly allocated across relevant cost centres and entities where applicable.

·       Maintain supporting schedules and documentation to ensure clear audit trails and compliance with financial controls.

·       Maintain the central cost calculation methodology through engagement with the Central Tax function.

·       Support reporting requirements by preparing central cost summaries and analysis for management review.

·       Finance degree and a recognized professional accounting qualification. 

·       At least 5 years of experience in Finance and extensive knowledge of all relevant financial flows.

·       Strong analytical skills.

·       Planning skills.

·       Hard worker

·       Focus on delivery and priorities, a self-starter, 

·       Broad knowledge of finance processes within Vivo Energy preferable. 

·       Strong communication (fluency in English), influencing and networking skills. 

·       Specific software skills: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SAP S4Hana, Power BI.

·       Ability to work in a team, and under pressure, in a Hybrid environment. 

·       In-depth knowledge of the ERP system (SAP)

·       Reporting Skills - Management Information/Business Decision Support

·       Knowledge of contract and procurement management

·       Knowledge of governance, risk management and internal control systems

·   Experience in Managing Intercompany Reconciliations and Central Cost Recharging.