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- Tasks: Monitor and analyse manufacturing costs for our quality spirits production.
- Company: Join Fortitude Spirits Group, a leader in innovative alcoholic beverages.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a creative industry.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the exciting world of spirits while honing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Accounting or Finance; experience in cost accounting preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Fortitude Spirits Group, we believe every moment can be extraordinary, and the right spirit has the power to elevate any occasion. As a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of quality alcoholic spirits, we infuse innovation, expertise, and a commitment to excellence at every stage of the process.
Our business is designed to meet the diverse needs of our partners, offering everything from bespoke product development to reliable distribution solutions, ensuring each spirit not only meets but exceeds consumer expectations.
Department: Finance
Location: This is a site based role at our Middlesbrough production site.
General Description: Working as a key member of the Fortitude Spirits Group Finance Team reporting to the Operations Finance Business Partner. The Cost Accountant is responsible for monitoring, analysing, and controlling manufacturing costs in the production of bottled and canned drinks. The role supports management with accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency. The role will also provide cost centre reporting for all business cost centres.
Main Responsibilities and Duties:
- Product Costing: Prepare and maintain standard product costs for bottled and canned drinks (raw materials, packaging, labour, and overheads). Calculate cost per bottle / SKU across product lines. Deliver costings for customer led tender processes. Review and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routing costs. Analyse cost changes due to raw materials, packaging, or production processes.
- Manufacturing Cost Control: Track and analyse direct materials (flavourings, sugar, concentrates, etc.). Review labour costs and production efficiency.
- Variance Analysis: Investigate variances such as material usage variance, labour efficiency variance, production yield variance, waste and spoilage. Provide explanations and recommendations to management.
- Inventory Accounting: Monitor raw materials, packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory. Perform inventory valuation and cost adjustments. Support monthly stock counts and cycle counts. Analyse slow-moving or obsolete stock.
- Production Reporting: Prepare daily/weekly production cost reports. Track waste, scrap, and yield rates in bottling and canning operations. Work with production teams to improve cost efficiency. Produce monthly cost centre reports and send to all cost centre owners. Provide support in invoice analysis and understanding of accruals/prepayments. Support the Marketing and Brand teams in the accurate reporting of costs and month end analysis.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Support preparation of manufacturing budgets. Forecast raw material and packaging cost impacts. Monitor actual costs vs budget.
- Commercial Business Finance Partner Support: Provides weekly forecasting support to the Commercial Business Partner for weekly KPIs. Provides support to the profitability process, including the updating of standard costs.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to reduce production costs. Support cost optimisation initiatives such as packaging changes and supplier cost negotiations.
- Compliance & Financial Reporting: Ensure accurate cost accounting entries in ERP/accounting system. Support month-end close and financial reporting. Maintain compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Accuracy of product costing, manufacturing cost variance, inventory accuracy, waste and yield improvements, timeliness of cost reports.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Cost Accounting. Professional qualification such as Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or equivalent preferred.
Experience: 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing cost accounting. Experience in FMCG or beverage manufacturing preferred. Experience with ERP systems and inventory management.
Key Skills: Strong cost analysis and financial modelling, knowledge of standard costing and variance analysis, understanding of manufacturing processes, advanced Excel / ERP skills, strong communication with production teams.
Cost Accountant employer: Fortitude Spirits Group
Contact Detail:
Fortitude Spirits Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how your skills as a Cost Accountant can help them achieve their goals. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Accountant role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing cost accounting and any relevant qualifications like CIMA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in finance can contribute to our team at Fortitude Spirits Group. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with cost analysis, inventory management, and any specific achievements in reducing costs. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles!
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortitude Spirits Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll be dealing with a lot of figures. Brush up on your knowledge of product costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled these in past roles, and maybe even bring some examples of reports or analyses you've done.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the beverage manufacturing sector, especially if you have experience in FMCG. Knowing the trends, challenges, and key players can give you an edge. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company’s mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like cost overruns or inventory discrepancies. Think through your past experiences and prepare to share how you approached similar challenges, focusing on your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to work closely with production teams and management. Be prepared to demonstrate how you effectively communicate complex financial information in a way that's easy for non-financial colleagues to understand. This could be through examples of past collaborations or presentations you've made.