Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost accounting processes and analyse material price movements to drive business decisions.
- Company: Join a well-established manufacturing group in Derbyshire with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Be the storyteller behind the numbers, influencing key decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in cost accounting and ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.
- Other info: This is a hands-on role requiring a commercial mindset and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Qualified Accountant. Eaton Syalon are partnering with a well-established manufacturing group in Derbyshire to recruit a Cost Controller/Accountant with deep expertise in standard costing and stock valuation, and the commercial acumen to translate data into compelling operational insight. This is a highly visible, hands-on role supporting a business where raw material prices fluctuate daily — so understanding the true drivers of cost performance is critical. You won’t just be reporting the numbers — you’ll be telling the story behind them.
As Cost Controller, you’ll take full ownership of standard costing across the site, working closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to bring clarity to product costing, stock values, and material usage. You’ll analyse material price movements vs volume impacts, identify trends, and help shape better commercial decisions in a fast-paced, ever-changing manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the yearly standard cost setting process, including absorption costing
- Analyse and report monthly standard cost variances: PPV, labour recovery, material/job variances
- Interpret price vs volume vs mix – identifying the true drivers of margin and cost movement
- Build a clear understanding of daily/weekly material cost fluctuations and their P&L impact
- Ensure the integrity of Bills of Material and how they drive product and stock cost accuracy
- Manage standard cost flow through the ERP system, ensuring accuracy from source to reporting
- Apply deep knowledge of FIFO stock valuation to support accurate inventory and margin reporting
- Partner with operational and senior leaders to drive understanding, action, and business improvement
We are looking for a Qualified Accountant with a strong track record in cost accounting within complex manufacturing or FMCG environments. You will need a deep understanding of material cost drivers, stock valuation and margin performance and ERP systems experience (SAP, Oracle or similar), with the ability to interrogate and reconcile costing data. As a key business partner to non-finance leaders within the organisation you will need a commercial mindset with the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders and influence decisions.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Accounting/Auditing
Industries: Manufacturing
Senior Cost Accountant employer: Eaton Syalon Ltd
Contact Detail:
Eaton Syalon Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Cost Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ERP systems mentioned in the job description, such as SAP or Oracle. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of standard costing and stock valuation techniques. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will demonstrate your expertise and show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully analysed cost variances or influenced business decisions. This will help you illustrate your commercial acumen and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who work in cost accounting. Engaging in conversations about industry trends and challenges can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cost accounting, particularly in manufacturing or FMCG environments. Emphasise your expertise in standard costing, stock valuation, and any relevant ERP systems like SAP or Oracle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, tell a story about your previous experiences that align with the responsibilities of the role. Discuss how you've successfully managed cost variances and contributed to business improvements in past positions.
Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your key skills related to the job description, such as analytical abilities, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate how these skills have led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eaton Syalon Ltd
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of a Senior Cost Accountant. Familiarise yourself with standard costing, stock valuation, and how to interpret cost variances. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare Real-World Examples
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully managed cost accounting in a manufacturing or FMCG environment. Highlight your experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, and how you've used them to drive business improvements.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves analysing material price movements and identifying trends, prepare to showcase your analytical skills. You might be asked to solve a case study or provide insights based on hypothetical data, so practice articulating your thought process.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-finance leaders. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decisions in previous roles and how you can partner with operational and senior leaders to drive understanding and action.
