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- Tasks: Join us as a Cost Accountant, focusing on product costing and cost control.
- Company: Work with a leading FMCG food manufacturer in Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of financial operations, driving profitability and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) with FMCG experience.
- Other info: Collaborate with teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve financial controls.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cost Accountant
Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.
- Do you have experience in FMCG manufacturing?
- Are you a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
- Can you work onsite in Cambridgeshire?
MacGregor Black is delighted to partner with a leading FMCG food manufacturer in the search for a Cost Accountant. This is a permanent, on-site role based in Cambridgeshire.
As the Cost Accountant, you will be at the heart of the company’s financial operations—focusing on product costing, cost control, and margin analysis to drive profitability and operational efficiency. Your expertise will directly support production and commercial teams in making informed, cost-effective decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and maintain accurate standard costing and product costings across all lines.
- Analyse cost variances, margins, and COGS to provide insight into production performance.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains.
- Ensure accurate inventory valuation, stock reconciliations, and cost-of-inventory records.
- Support preparation of management accounts and detailed cost reports.
- Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis from a cost perspective.
- Maintain the Fixed Asset Register and oversee capital expenditure tracking.
- Handle daily financial operations including bank postings, balance sheet reconciliations, and expense management.
- Prepare VAT returns and assist with HMRC filings as needed.
- Support ongoing improvement of costing models, financial controls, and reporting systems.
What We’re Looking For:
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent).
- Proven experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or FMCG environment—food industry experience preferred.
- Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost variance analysis.
- Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness to challenge and influence operational decisions.
- Proficient with ERP and costing systems; Excel and data modelling skills a strong plus.
- A detail-oriented, proactive team player with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
Please contact Carl Maw for full details.
Cost Accountant employer: MacGregor Black
Contact Detail:
MacGregor Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to research the FMCG food manufacturing industry thoroughly. Understanding the specific challenges and trends in this sector will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who work in cost accounting. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented cost-saving measures or improved financial processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills to the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the ERP and costing systems commonly used in the FMCG industry. Being able to discuss your proficiency with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cost accounting, particularly within the FMCG manufacturing sector. Emphasise your qualifications (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent) and any relevant skills such as standard costing and inventory accounting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with the role and provide examples of how you've contributed to cost-saving initiatives in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your proven experience in cost accounting and your understanding of financial operations. Mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to influence operational decisions.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you include all requested information as outlined in the job overview. Double-check that your application is complete and adheres to any specific requirements set by the company before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your qualifications, especially if you hold CIMA, ACCA, or an equivalent certification. Be prepared to discuss how your education has equipped you with the skills necessary for cost accounting in the FMCG sector.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG manufacturing landscape, particularly in the food industry. Be ready to discuss recent trends, challenges, and how they impact cost accounting practices. This will show your potential employer that you're not just qualified, but also knowledgeable about their specific field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost variance analysis. Brush up on these topics and be ready to provide examples from your past experience where you've successfully applied these concepts to drive profitability.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
As a Cost Accountant, you'll need to work closely with various teams. Prepare to discuss instances where you've collaborated with manufacturing or supply chain teams to identify cost-saving opportunities. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence operational decisions.
