Cost Accountant - Inventory & Stock in Essex

We are partnering with a successful and growing consumer products business to recruit a Cost Accountant - Inventory Stock .

This is a newly created position following continued growth across the business , providing an excellent opportunity for an experienced accountant to join at an exciting stage of the company's development and take ownership of its stock and inventory accounting.

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will play an important role within the finance function, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of inventory-related financial information while working closely with stakeholders across finance, operations, supply chain and the wider business.

Given the nature of the position, we are particularly interested in candidates who have previously worked within a consumer-facing, product-based organisation where the accounting, valuation and control of physical stock and inventory forms an important part of the finance function.

The Role As Cost Accountant - Inventory Stock, you will take ownership of the accounting and financial control surrounding stock and inventory across the business.

Key responsibilities will include: Taking ownership of inventory and stock accounting across the business.

Ensuring accurate inventory valuation and reporting within the general ledger.

Managing and reviewing stock reconciliations and investigating discrepancies.

Supporting the month-end close process in relation to inventory, cost of sales and associated balance sheet accounts.

Reviewing stock movements, adjustments, provisions and write-offs.

Supporting the calculation and analysis of cost of goods sold (COGS).

Producing inventory and cost analysis to support financial and commercial decision-making.

Working closely with operational, supply chain and commercial teams to ensure the accuracy of stock information.

Investigating inventory discrepancies, identifying root causes and helping to implement appropriate solutions.

Reviewing and strengthening inventory-related financial controls and processes.

Supporting budgeting, forecasting and audit requirements relating to stock and inventory.

Providing meaningful analysis around stock movements, inventory levels, margins and associated costs.

Supporting the Financial Controller with wider accounting and finance activities where required.

The Candidate We are looking for an experienced accountant with strong exposure to stock, inventory and/or cost accounting.

Previous experience within a consumer, retail, FMCG, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, e-commerce or other product-led environment is important given the nature of the position.

You will ideally have: Previous experience as a Cost Accountant, Inventory Accountant, Stock Accountant, Management Accountant or in a similar finance position.

Strong practical experience of inventory and stock accounting.

Experience working within a business holding significant levels of physical stock.

Good knowledge of inventory valuation, stock reconciliations and associated financial controls.

An understanding of COGS, stock movements, provisions and write-offs.

Strong Excel and analytical capabilities.

The ability to investigate discrepancies and confidently challenge financial and operational information.

Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with finance and non-finance stakeholders.

A proactive approach to improving processes and financial controls.

The ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and growing consumer environment.

Package Benefits £50,000-£60,000 per annum Private healthcare 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays 37.5-hour working week Flexibility around start and finish times 100% office-based position This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing consumer business in a newly created role , giving the successful candidate the opportunity to take genuine ownership of inventory accounting and help develop the processes, controls and reporting surrounding stock as the organisation continues to scale.

First-stage interviews are expected to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 31st August 2026 .