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- Tasks: Analyse costs to optimise performance and support decision-making.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in global defence innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive health perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost accounting and strong problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth in an inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description – Cost Base Accountant (00132555)
Cost Base Accountant – 00132555
Job title: Cost Base Accountant (Edgewing)
Location: Reading area. The role could be contracted to any BAE Systems site (preferably Frimley) but on commencement will immediately be assigned to our Edgewing JV in the Reading area. A financial support package may be available to enable this assignment if required, dependent on certain criteria being met. Due to the nature of this assignment, we envisage there will be a need for mostly on site working, however, flexible working arrangements may be possible – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.
What you’ll be doing:
- Analyse the organisation cost base in order to support performance optimisation and decision -making, producing regular as well as ad-hoc reporting to be presented to senior budget holders
- Analysis of monthly actuals to understand key drivers for both labour and non-labour costs, including a focus on throughput and utilisation metrics as well as overhead management
- Support the calculation of rates and price investigation through subject matter expertise on the organisation’s cost structure
- Supporting budget holders with ad-hoc queries
- Support the delivery of optimisation initiatives for the business through ad-hoc pieces of work as required
Your skills and experiences:
- Experience of cost and management accounting
- Good understanding of the key drivers of organisational efficiency
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders of various seniorities and backgrounds, relaying financial concepts in a simple and understandable manner
- Problem solving mentality and ability to work in a fast-moving and dynamic environment
- Proven experience in establishing processes and workflows for new teams at project inception
- Relevant financial qualification (or studying towards it, depending on the level of seniority)
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Edgewing – Finance Team
By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up, setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we\’re united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence – uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc .) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role , to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 16th December 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role . Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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Cost Base Accountant employer: BAE Systems
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Base Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key drivers of organisational efficiency. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of BAE Systems, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a game-changer during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving experiences in dynamic environments. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, as this aligns well with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Edgewing joint venture and its objectives. Showing that you understand their mission and how your skills can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Base Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cost and management accounting. Emphasise your understanding of organisational efficiency and any relevant financial qualifications you possess or are pursuing.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the Cost Base Accountant role at Edgewing. Mention how your skills align with the job requirements, particularly your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and solve problems in dynamic environments.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific examples where you've analysed costs, supported budget holders, or contributed to optimisation initiatives. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact where possible.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role involving financial analysis.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems
✨Understand the Cost Base
Make sure you have a solid grasp of cost and management accounting principles. Be prepared to discuss how you would analyse the organisation's cost base and support performance optimisation.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving mentality. Think about situations where you've had to work in a fast-moving environment and how you tackled challenges effectively.
✨Communicate Financial Concepts Clearly
Since the role involves collaborating with stakeholders of various seniorities, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to relay information clearly and effectively.
✨Be Ready for Ad-Hoc Queries
Anticipate questions related to supporting budget holders with ad-hoc queries. Think of instances where you've provided timely and accurate financial insights to help decision-making.
