At a Glance
- Tasks: Support new product initiatives and provide financial insights to drive business decisions.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in building sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, generous leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic finance role with cross-functional collaboration.
- Qualifications: Degree in Accounting or Finance; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49519 - 60000 £ per year.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
We’re looking for a Staff Accountant II – Cost / Decision Support to join our Finance team within the BCP Division, supporting Tech Ready Initiatives and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-impact, cross-functional environment, where you will act as a key finance partner to engineering and operational teams, helping assess financial feasibility and drive business decisions.
What You Will Do
- Support NPI (New Product Introduction) activities, including future cost, "should cost", and alternative scenario analysis
- Consolidate financial inputs from multiple functions to assess business case viability
- Present financial insights and recommendations during financial reviews and decision forums
- Perform complex cost accounting activities such as:
- Standard cost setting, monitoring, and variance analysis
- Cost system maintenance and issue resolution
- Investment analysis, including IRR calculations
- Capital expenditure forecasting and reporting
- Cost reduction identification and tracking
- Provide decision support and business partnering to engineering and operational teams
- Analyze regional profitability and support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Develop insights into cost drivers and recommend actions to improve financial performance
- Lead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement projects
- Review financial outputs for accuracy and reasonableness and provide guidance to stakeholders
What You Have
- Financial & Business Acumen
- Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and financial analysis
- Ability to interpret financial data and translate it into actionable business insights
- Confidence in evaluating complex financial scenarios and investment decisions
- Business Partnering & Communication
- Ability to collaborate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders (e.g., engineering teams)
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including experience delivering financial insights to management
- Proactive mindset with the ability to coordinate across multiple functions
- Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Ability to manage and analyze complex datasets
- Skilled in identifying root causes and developing practical solutions
- High level of attention to detail combined with a strategic perspective
- Managing Multiple Priorities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong organizational and coordination skills
Education / Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Accounting degree or professional certification is an advantage
- Proficiency in English is required
Top Candidates Will Also Have
- Experience working in cross-functional or project-based environments
- Familiarity with financial systems and analytical tools (e.g., SAP, Power BI or similar)
- Strong understanding of manufacturing or product cost structures
What we offer
- Salary: £49,519 - £60,000 (depending on experience)
- 27 days annual leave
- Up to 10% Bonus (based on personal and company performance)
- Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will match the employee’s contribution up to 6%
- Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee’s contribution
- Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase
The role will require a 5 day a week on site presence, 37.5hr week.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Staff Acct II Cost / DS employer: Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are valued not just for their contributions but also as individuals. Located in Desford, the company offers competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional growth through cross-functional projects and decision support roles. Joining Caterpillar means being part of a global team dedicated to building sustainable communities and driving meaningful change in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Acct II Cost / DS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Caterpillar or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Caterpillar loves innovation and sustainability, so be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission of building a better world.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. Caterpillar is looking for someone who can turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Caterpillar team!
We think you need these skills to ace Staff Acct II Cost / DS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Staff Accountant II role. Highlight your financial acumen, cost accounting principles, and any relevant project experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to NPI activities or cross-functional collaboration.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can analyse complex datasets and provide actionable insights. In your application, give examples of how you've tackled financial challenges in the past and what solutions you implemented.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Caterpillar!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your cost accounting principles and financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in relation to NPI activities or cost reduction initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves collaborating with both financial and non-financial stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial insights in previous positions. Think about times when your communication made a difference in decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to tackle some analytical questions during the interview. Practice explaining how you approach problem-solving, especially when it comes to managing complex datasets or identifying root causes of financial issues.
✨Research Caterpillar's Values
Familiarise yourself with Caterpillar's mission and values, particularly their focus on sustainability and community building. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals as a Staff Accountant II.
