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- Tasks: Manage costing systems, perform audits, and support project managers with financial insights.
- Company: Wabtec is a global leader in rail solutions, focused on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified by experience or part/fully qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) preferred; manufacturing experience is a plus.
- Other info: Join a company that values people and encourages innovative thinking.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Business Accountant to join our team in Birkenhead. The Birkenhead site supports our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains for brake discs, brake pads, brake blocks, self-contained dynamic brake systems.
How will you make a difference?
- Develop strategies to protect margins through ensuring the costing system is up to date and accurate.
- Perform audits to establish movements between forecasted and actual margins and investigate variances to standard costs, helping identify and implement solutions.
What will your typical day look like?
- Responsible for managing and updating the costing system.
- Provide finance support to business/project managers from project appraisal through to their completion.
- Investigate variances to standards, assist in identifying solutions and their implementation.
- Forecasting contract margin by product line.
- Provide post-project contribution margin evaluation.
- Analysis and reporting on sales and our order book.
- Perform month-end activities ensuring group reporting timetables are adhered to.
- Assist with external audit information requests.
- Annual cost roll-up within ER system.
What do we want to know about you?
- You will either be qualified by experience or part/fully qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA).
- Experience in a manufacturing environment is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of costing systems and principles.
- Experience of working with ERP systems (Experience with Movex is advantageous).
- Ability to collaborate effectively across different business functions.
- Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.
If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values, always put people first, and strive to expand what is possible.
About Wabtec:
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation, and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world.
Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
Cost Accountant employer: Wabtec Corporation
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific costing systems and principles mentioned in the job description. Understanding how these systems work, especially in a manufacturing context, will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have with ERP systems, particularly Movex, as this is advantageous for the role. If you don’t have direct experience, consider researching how Movex operates to discuss its functionalities confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've collaborated across different business functions in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team, which is crucial for the Cost Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for the company's mission and values during your interactions. Wabtec values individuals who are eager to make a positive impact, so expressing your alignment with their goals can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Cost Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you are qualified by experience or hold a part/fully qualified status (ACA, CIMA, ACCA), make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Mention any experience with costing systems and ERP systems, especially if you have worked with Movex.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves investigating variances and performing audits, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Use specific instances where you successfully identified issues and implemented solutions.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Address the hiring manager by name if possible, and express your enthusiasm for the company and the impact you hope to make as a Cost Accountant at Wabtec.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec Corporation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on your knowledge of costing systems and principles, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be ready to showcase your analytical abilities. Prepare examples of how you've investigated variances in costs and implemented solutions in past positions. This will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since experience with ERP systems is advantageous, make sure you understand the basics of Movex or similar systems. If you have experience, be prepared to discuss specific projects where you utilised these tools.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
The role requires effective collaboration across different business functions. Think of examples where you've worked as part of a team or supported project managers, and be ready to share these during the interview.
