Who We Are

The Senior Cost Planner is responsible for managing financial planning, forecasting, governance, and cost control across a portfolio of technology and business programmes. Working closely with Product, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, and Portfolio teams, the role provides financial insight, ensures strong governance, and supports investment decision‑making across Capital and Operational expenditure.

What You’ll Do Key Responsibilities Financial Planning & Forecasting

Lead budgeting, forecasting, and month‑end financial activities across multiple portfolios

Develop and maintain financial plans covering Capex, Opex, capitalised overheads, and resource costs

Monitor and analyse spend against budget and forecast, identifying risks, opportunities, and corrective actions

Cost Control & Governance

Ensure compliance with financial policies, accounting standards, and governance requirements

Manage project funding, purchase orders, accruals, recharges, and investment tracking

Challenge financial assumptions and forecasts to improve accuracy and control

Support audits through accurate, well‑documented financial records

Portfolio Financial Management

Partner with Product, Engineering, Delivery, and Finance teams to provide financial reporting and insight

Track costs against approved funding and investment plans

Analyse variances, trends, and cost drivers, providing recommendations to leadership

Maintain financial visibility across complex, multi‑million‑pound portfolios

Capitalisation & Compliance

Act as a subject matter expert for Capex, Opex, and capitalisation policies

Ensure costs are treated correctly in line with accounting requirements

Review resource allocations and capitalisation activities to maximise value and compliance

Provide guidance on financial governance and cost management best practice

Reporting & Insight

Produce dashboards, reports, and executive presentations

Turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights

Report on portfolio performance, forecast accuracy, risks, and opportunities

Drive reporting automation and continuous improvement

Process Improvement





Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve financial controls

Lead initiatives that increase efficiency and reporting quality

Implement automation solutions to reduce manual effort and improve data accuracy

Establish scalable processes that support business growth

Stakeholder Management

Build strong relationships across Finance, Product, Engineering, Delivery and Procurement teams

Serve as the key contact for financial planning and governance matters

Influence senior stakeholders through insight‑based recommendations

Support strategic planning and investment prioritisation

Team Leadership & Coaching

Mentor and support other Cost Planners

Share best practice and contribute to capability development across the team

Skills & Experience

Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management

Good understanding of Capex, Opex, capitalisation, and financial governance

Experience supporting large technology, engineering, or transformation portfolios

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and stakeholder management skills

Ability to present financial information clearly to senior stakeholders

Experience using Accounting systems e.G. SAP/Oracle, reporting tools, and financial dashboards

Track record of driving process improvement and automation

Typical Outcomes

Accurate financial plans and forecasts

Strong cost control and governance

Improved financial visibility for decision‑makers

Increased efficiency through automation and simplification

Effective investment management and cost optimisation

Audit‑ready financial documentation

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Excellent written and spoken English

Experience in a fast‑paced IT or Telecommunications environment

CIMA/ACCA qualification, or significant experience in IT project accounting

Experience managing budgets exceeding £50m





Business Intelligence and reporting expertise

Desirable Qualifications

Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Information Management, or similar

Knowledge of Agile, Lean Portfolio Management, PRINCE2, or P3O

Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies

Direct Reports

No direct line management responsibility

Will lead and coordinate cross‑functional activities and provide guidance to Cost Planners across the portfolio

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Bonus on top of the gross salary

Meal voucher (Ticket Restaurant), additional to gross salary.

Versátil working hours from Monday to Thursday, and an intensive schedule on Fridays

Intensive Summer Schedule during July and August

Up to 20 days per year of 100% remote work from other locations

Private Health and Life Insurance for employees 25 vacation days, plus December 24th and 31st off

Optional Pension Plan

Access to an online learning platform for continuous training

Vodafone is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align exactly with every aspect of the job description, you are encouraged to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another opportunity, and the recruitment team will support you in exploring where your skills fit best.

Vodafone recognises and celebrates the value of diversity in building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities it serves. No form of discrimination is tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on race, colour, age, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, political affiliation, trade union membership, nationality, citizenship, indigenous status, medical condition, HIV status, neurodiversity, social origin, cultural background, marital or civil partnership status, or socio‑economic background.

At Vodafone, we’re working hard to build a better future. A more connected, inclusive and sustainable world. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Specialist Cost Planner (Alcobendas)
🏢 Vodafone
📍 Alcobendas