At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a well-established and growing manufacturing business with a collaborative finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, work-from-home options, pension, holiday allowance, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to build relationships across teams and contribute to cost-saving initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial insights and operational performance while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing finance and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Axon Moore are delighted to be working with a well-established and growing manufacturing business to appoint an Assistant Plant Controller. This is a key role within the finance team, supporting the financial and operational performance of the manufacturing site. We are looking for an experienced Cost Accountant with a background in manufacturing for an operations-focused finance environment. Reporting to the Financial Controller, this role will work closely with the wider operational teams to provide financial insight, maintain strong controls and drive continuous improvement, with a clear development path.
Salary and Benefits: Salary £45,000 - £50,000 DOE. Site-based working with some work from home options, pension, holiday allowance, excellent opportunities for development and progression plus many more available on request.
Key responsibilities:
- Take responsibility for supporting the month-end process, ensuring financial information is accurate and delivered within agreed deadlines.
- Produce and review reporting around standard costs, inventory, absorption and manufacturing performance.
- Review site expenditure and identify key cost drivers across labour, materials, overheads, waste and production losses.
- Work alongside operational teams to understand variances, investigate underlying causes and ensure appropriate actions are followed through.
- Assist with the review and maintenance of standard costing, including supporting annual updates.
- Oversee the financial review of inventory movements, valuations and reconciliations.
- Provide meaningful analysis on manufacturing performance, including labour utilisation, yield, throughput, downtime and overall efficiency.
- Support the budgeting and forecasting process, providing accurate financial information and analysis.
- Build financial models and scenario analysis to understand the impact of production volumes, capacity and operational changes.
- Develop strong working relationships with key operational stakeholders across the site.
- Provide clear financial insight to non-finance teams, helping them understand performance and make informed decisions.
- Work closely with the Financial Controller to challenge assumptions, highlight areas of concern and encourage financial accountability.
- Support the delivery of continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing site.
- Identify ways to improve existing processes, reporting and efficiencies across the finance function and wider business.
- Assist with initiatives focused on cost savings, productivity, waste reduction and working capital.
- Provide cover for the Financial Controller when required, taking ownership of key responsibilities as appropriate.
- Assist with external audits, internal controls and ensuring relevant financial documentation is maintained.
- Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and support to the wider site leadership team as required.
Professional qualification and competencies:
- Qualification in ACA, ACCA, CIMA or Qualified by Experience.
- Experience within a manufacturing, industrial or operations-focused finance environment is essential.
- Good understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, absorption and manufacturing variance analysis.
- Strong Excel, analytical and financial modelling skills.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools – SAP would be beneficial.
- Strong financial acumen with excellent attention to detail and data integrity.
- Commercially minded with an understanding of how operational performance impacts financial results.
- Strong communication and business partnering skills, with the confidence to challenge assumptions when required.
- Able to work proactively, use own initiative and follow issues through to resolution.
- Resilient, pragmatic and solution-focused in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Experience managing within the team would be beneficial.
For more information, please contact Harriett Busby at Axon Moore.
Cost Accountant employer: Axon Moore
Axon Moore is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides ample opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. The hybrid working model enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a high-growth B2B firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Axon Moore, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Axon Moore specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axon Moore
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Axon Moore, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Axon Moore value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
