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- Tasks: Manage cost systems, analyse data, and support pricing strategies for a manufacturing business.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing company focused on operational performance and cost transparency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 and hands-on experience in a key role.
- Other info: Six-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and influencing decision-making in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in cost accounting and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are currently partnering with a manufacturing business to appoint a Cost Accountant on a six‑month fixed‑term contract. The organisation operates across a mix of manufactured and externally sourced product ranges and has a strong focus on commercial accuracy and operational performance. This role will play a key part in ensuring cost transparency and pricing discipline, working closely with both manufacturing and sales functions. The successful candidate will support informed, data‑led decision making by providing robust cost analysis, maintaining pricing integrity, and helping drive efficiency across the operation.
Your new role
- Managing, maintaining, and enhancing the cost and retail pricing systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Calculating product cost prices by consolidating and analysing data from multiple internal systems and databases.
- Producing retail price lists for finished goods for the Sales Team, applying structured percentage markup models that reflect all direct and indirect costs, target margins, and maximum permissible trade discounts.
- Delivering performance, efficiency, and productivity analysis across manufacturing operations to support operational improvement.
- Applying sound commercial judgement to cost‑related queries, identifying opportunities to improve business performance and cost efficiency.
- Reviewing purchasing and costing information systems on an ongoing basis and recommending process or system enhancements where appropriate.
- Creating, maintaining, and managing Bills of Materials and Operations (BOM / BOMO).
- Importing, updating, and validating raw material and purchased product pricing to ensure data integrity.
What you'll need to succeed
To succeed in this role, you'll bring a strong background in cost accounting, pricing, and manufacturing analysis, with the confidence to work across complex product structures and detailed operational data. You'll be highly analytical and detail‑focused, with the ability to translate accurate costing into meaningful commercial insight and influence decision‑making across the business.
What you'll get in return
- Six‑month fixed‑term contract.
- Salary up to £55,000, dependent on experience.
- A commercially influential role with direct exposure to both manufacturing and sales teams.
- Hands‑on involvement with complex costing, pricing, and operational systems within a manufacturing environment.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or email me directly.
Interim Cost Accountant in Preston employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Cost Accountant in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an interim cost accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your cost accounting knowledge and industry trends. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance cost transparency and pricing discipline, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive efficiency and improve business performance in past roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can support informed decision-making.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Cost Accountant in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Accountant role. Highlight your experience in cost accounting and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our manufacturing business!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a strong analytical background, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. We love data-driven insights!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like costing and pricing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply 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. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've improved cost efficiency or pricing strategies.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing sector and the specific challenges it faces. Research the company’s product ranges and their operational processes. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of cost accounting principles and systems. Be ready to explain how you manage and enhance pricing systems, and provide insights into your experience with Bills of Materials and Operations (BOM/BOMO).
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with sales and manufacturing teams, highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced decision-making through effective communication in past roles.