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- Tasks: Manage overhead accounting and support finance processes in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a global engineering partner with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, generous leave, and great training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a range of employee discounts available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Part qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
FirstAchieve are currently seeking a skilled Overheads & Operational Accountant to join our global engineering partner. The Overheads & Operational Accountant role plays a key part in supporting the effective day to day running of the finance function. It is a hands on role with responsibility for overhead accounting, month end support, operational finance processes, and maintaining strong financial controls.
What you will do:
- Own monthly overhead cost centre accounting
- Prepare and post monthly overhead journals (accruals, prepayments, reallocations)
- Ensure overhead costs are accurately coded, reviewed, and controlled
- Produce monthly overhead variance analysis versus budget and forecast
- Support budget holders with cost understanding and challenge where appropriate
- Support the month end close process, ensuring overhead areas are closed accurately and on time
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations for overhead related accounts (e.g. accruals, prepayments, expenses)
- Ensure reconciliations are complete, well evidenced, and review ready for Financial Controller sign off
- Maintain strong audit trails in line with finance governance requirements
- Act as first line finance support for operational and functional teams on overhead and cost queries
- Support purchase to pay processes, ensuring spend is recorded in line with policy and approvals
- Monitor open purchase orders and cost commitments relating to overhead spend
- Promote disciplined, system based finance processes and controls
- Provide cover and support for basic logistics and customs compliance administration, including maintaining customs documentation and supporting audit files
- Support periodic submissions (e.g. bills of discharge) under Financial Controller direction
- Support routine finance compliance activities (expense policy, supporting schedules, controls)
- Act as a dependable cover point across operational finance activities during absence
- Support preparation of audit schedules and working papers relating to overhead and operational areas
- Respond to audit queries efficiently and in a structured manner
- Ensure overhead and operational finance areas are audit ready throughout the year
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and control within overhead and operational finance processes
- Support system and process improvements within Epicor and related finance tools
- Work collaboratively across the finance team to ensure clear ownership and smooth hand offs
What you will need:
- Part qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA)
- AAT Technician or qualified by experience
- Experience in overhead accounting, management accounting, or operational finance roles
- Strong attention to detail and a control focused mindset
- Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment
- Exposure to logistics, customs, or operational compliance activity
- Experience supporting audits or year end processes
All candidates must be able to prove that they have the right to work in the UK.
Why work for us?
- Competitive compensation and benefits packages
- Flexible working scheme
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous annual leave and option to purchase additional holidays
- Contributory pension plan with associated life assurance
- Hybrid working policy for select roles
- Healthcare scheme offering cash back on medical services (optician/dental etc.)
- Virtual GP surgery and employee assistance programme
- Range of employee discounts (including gyms, high street and online retailers)
If you are looking for your next Accounting opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Accountant employer: First Achieve
Contact Detail:
First Achieve Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those in operational roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of overhead accounting. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to month-end processes and financial controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about how you've handled overhead costs or supported audits in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff!
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Overheads & Operational Accountant role. Highlight your experience in overhead accounting and operational finance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like ACCA or CIMA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description, especially around month-end processes and financial controls.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a strong attention to detail, make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear formatting, check for typos, and ensure all your information is accurate and well-organised.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Achieve
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Overheads & Operational Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of overhead accounting and financial controls. Brush up on key concepts like accruals, prepayments, and variance analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
This role requires a strong focus on detail and accuracy. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a significant impact, especially in month-end processes or balance sheet reconciliations. Highlight how you ensure compliance and maintain audit trails.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the engineering and manufacturing sectors, as well as any logistics or customs compliance aspects relevant to the role. Being able to connect your accounting skills to the operational side of the business will show that you can support budget holders effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in overhead accounting or during audits, and prepare structured responses that showcase your analytical skills and ability to improve processes.