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- Tasks: Own the accounting and costing cycles while providing vital insights for production optimisation.
- Company: Join Cathay Investments Limited, a dynamic player in the manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Gain independence in your role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging bookkeeping and strategic analysis in a growing international group.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial/accounting roles, currently studying towards a professional qualification.
- Other info: Be part of a small team where your contributions truly matter.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional with a passion for the manufacturing sector? Cathay Investments Limited is looking for a proactive Financial & Cost Accountant to join our team. This is a pivotal role designed to bridge the gap between day-to-day bookkeeping and high-level strategic analysis, ensuring our Europe-wide group of companies remains "audit-ready" and commercially sharp.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Management Accountant, you will take ownership of the accounting and costing cycles for our cost-intensive manufacturing operations. You won’t just be crunching numbers; you’ll be providing the vital insights that drive our production activities and process optimization.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Product Costing & Margin Analysis: Ownership of detailed cost calculations, maintaining standard costing systems, and analyzing variances between actual and budgeted costs.
- Monthly Reporting: Preparing initial drafts of management accounts (P&L, Balance Sheet reconciliations) and providing insightful variance commentaries.
- Audit & Compliance: Serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors and ensuring all year-end schedules are documented and accurate.
- Treasury & Taxation: Managing VAT returns, preparing payroll journals, and monitoring banking covenants through cashflow projections.
- Team Support: Providing guidance to the bookkeeping team and supporting annual budgeting and forecasting cycles.
Who We Are Looking For
You are a self-starter who thrives in a small team environment and prides yourself on producing methodical, clear, and accurate records.
Requirements:
- Experience: 2-5 years in a financial/accounting role, specifically within a manufacturing environment with a strong grasp of costing principles.
- Qualifications: Currently studying towards a professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
- Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills are essential. Experience with SAP, Sage, or similar ERP systems is a significant advantage.
- Communication: Excellent English (written/spoken). Proficiency in Dutch is a plus to help coordinate with our European operations.
Why Join Cathay Investments?
This role offers the chance to move beyond core accounting into detailed commercial analysis, providing the data that supports major management decisions. You will have the independence to own your tasks while being part of an ambitious, growing international group.
Apply Today: If you are ready to take the next step in your accounting career, please submit your CV.
Locations
Financial & Cost Accountant in Croydon, Surrey employer: Cathay Investments Limited
Contact Detail:
Cathay Investments Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial & Cost Accountant in Croydon, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accounting and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cathay Investments and their operations. Understand their products and how your role as a Financial & Cost Accountant can impact their bottom line. Tailor your answers to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience in financial roles and how it relates to manufacturing. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills, the more confident you'll come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial & Cost Accountant in Croydon, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Financial & Cost Accountant role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and any relevant qualifications like ACCA or CIMA to catch our eye!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your technical skills; demonstrate them! If you’ve got advanced Excel skills or experience with ERP systems like SAP or Sage, make sure to include examples of how you've used these in your previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about accounting in the manufacturing sector and how you can contribute to our team at Cathay Investments. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathay Investments Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial & Cost Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in product costing and margin analysis. Brush up on your knowledge of standard costing systems and be ready to discuss how you've handled variances in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Make sure you're familiar with advanced Excel functions and any ERP systems like SAP or Sage. During the interview, highlight your experience with these tools and how they've helped you streamline processes or improve accuracy in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since this role involves audit and compliance responsibilities, be prepared to answer questions about your experience with external auditors and year-end schedules. Think of instances where you ensured documentation was accurate and how you navigated any challenges during audits.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key, especially when providing insights to management. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. If you have proficiency in Dutch, mention it! It could give you an edge in coordinating with European operations.