Kao Data
Operations Cost Controller
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Join Kao Data as an Operations Cost Controller - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!
Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Cost Controller to act as the central finance point of contact for all operational and facilities-related expenditure across Kao Data sites, ensuring robust financial control, accurate billing and cost allocation, and clear, actionable reporting. The position will also involve undertaking general administration duties to support the operations function.
Key Responsibilities
This role is increasingly critical as operational expenditure continues to scale. The successful candidate will become the central point of finance understanding for our largest operating cost base, spanning both capital works and operating costs.
The role is responsible for pulling together accurate, meaningful information. The job holder must be able to understand operational activity, capture the relevant financial impact, and summarise it clearly for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Operational Cost Control & Reporting
- Act as the finance lead across all FM and operational cost activity.
- Attend weekly finance meetings with the FM provider, Contract Manager and Finance Director.
- Sit in monthly billing meetings with the FM provider and key suppliers.
- Liaise with clients to resolve outstanding issues.
- Assist in preparing accurate cost forecasts and variance analysis.
- Prepare monthly financial reports and support month-end close processes.
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Purchase Orders & Invoice Control
- Create accurate Purchase Orders in a timely manner, ensuring correct cost categorisation (capex vs opex), appropriate project allocation and correct budget holder identification.
- Review and process supplier invoices, ensuring payments are made only for satisfactorily delivered goods and services.
- Work within a robust internal controls framework (PO approval workflows, AP processes).
Recharge & Billing Management
- Identify which costs are rechargeable to customers. Match costs to customer PO’s.
- Raise sales orders and invoices within company deadlines.
- Ensure billing is completed at the correct margin and in line with contract terms.
CAFM & Operational Systems
- Act as key user for the CAFM system on site.
- Assist in maintaining PPM records, reactive tracking and reporting.
- Ensure operational data aligns with financial records.
- Undertake general administration duties to support the operations function.
Stakeholder Management
- Liaise closely with suppliers, operational teams and head office.
- Support accurate processing of quotations, purchase orders and invoices.
- Confidently present financial information to senior management.
- Translate technical operational matters into clear financial impact.
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What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience within the FM or Data Centre industry
- Strong understanding of operational services
- Experience with PO processes, invoice approval workflows and financial controls
- Strong Excel and financial systems skills
- Experience supporting month-end reporting
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with senior stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
- General office administration experience.
- Experience working within a structured internal controls framework
Why Kao Data?
- Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections
- Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
- Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
- Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension
- Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Life Assurance & Income Protection
- Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders
- Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
- Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Optical Benefit
- Access to Unum’s Help@Hand
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