At a Glance
- Tasks: Own cost reporting, budgeting, and forecasting while driving process improvements.
- Company: Growing finance team in Leicester with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Up to £55,000 salary, bonus, strong benefits, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent exposure to commercial finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial insights and improve reporting processes.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or qualified Accountant with strong management accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Leicester (Hybrid)
Role: up to £55,000 plus bonus and benefits
We are pleased to be partnering with a growing and highly regarded business based in Leicester as they look to appoint a Cost Management Accountant into their finance team. This role plays a key position within the finance function, taking ownership of the organisation’s cost base while supporting the delivery of high-quality reporting, forecasting, and financial control across multiple cost centres. Sitting at the heart of the finance team, the position offers excellent exposure to business partnering, cost analysis, budgeting, and process improvement, while also providing the opportunity to influence how financial insight is delivered across the wider business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the end-to-end cost reporting process across all overhead and operational expenditure cost centres.
- Prepare and deliver monthly reporting packs including budget vs actual analysis, forecasts, and detailed commentary on performance.
- Produce accurate month-end journals including accruals, prepayments, and other cost-related adjustments.
- Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations for cost-related accounts, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved promptly.
- Support the budgeting and forecasting process across multiple departments and cost centres.
- Develop rolling forecasts and provide scenario analysis to support business planning and decision making.
- Analyse spend trends and identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improved cost control.
- Partner closely with budget holders and non-finance stakeholders, providing clear financial insight and constructive challenge where required.
- Develop and improve cost reporting tools, trackers, and dashboards to enhance visibility and support decision making.
- Drive continuous improvement across reporting processes, controls, and forecasting methodologies.
- Support audit requirements by preparing accurate schedules and responding to cost-related audit queries.
- Assist in improving financial controls and standardising processes across the wider finance function.
The Ideal Candidate:
- ACA / ACCA / CIMA part-qualified or qualified Accountant.
- Strong management accounting experience with exposure to cost reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Experience preparing accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and month-end reporting within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insight.
- Confident communicator with experience partnering with non-finance stakeholders and challenging constructively where required.
- Advanced Excel skills including financial modelling, analysis, and reporting tools.
- Highly analytical with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Experience improving reporting processes or working within a complex or regulated environment would be advantageous.
- Exposure to ERP systems or reporting tools such as Power BI is beneficial.
What They Offer:
- up to £55,000 base salary + bonus
- Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)
- Strong benefits package
- Excellent exposure to commercial finance and business partnering
- Opportunity to influence and improve reporting processes
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing finance function
How To Apply:
We want to hear from you if you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have what it takes to excel in this role. Apply now for further information.
Cost Accountant employer: Broster Buchanan
Join a dynamic and growing finance team in Leicester, where you will play a pivotal role as a Cost Accountant. With a hybrid working model and a competitive salary of up to £55,000 plus bonus, this position offers excellent benefits and the chance to influence financial reporting processes. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, providing clear progression opportunities within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Broster Buchanan. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Broster Buchanan.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Broster Buchanan's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broster Buchanan
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Broster Buchanan.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Broster Buchanan will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Broster Buchanan employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.