Cost Accountant

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join our growing Finance team at Octopus Energy Services. This role will report to the Finance Business Partner - Supply Chain and play a crucial role in the day-to-day financial operations of the company. This role will entail preparation of financial reports, month-end processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards. You will be working closely with the business to assist with day-to-day finance management and identifying any commercial risks or opportunities to improve the business’ position.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fundamental accounting and be keen to develop their skills in a fast-paced environment.

What you’ll do

• Daily transaction posting including accurately processing all inventory-related transactions, ensuring they are correctly reflected in the general ledger.
• Preparing monthly divisional and consolidated management accounts, including assisting in the calculation and review of the monthly Cost of Goods Sold, ensuring accurate cost allocations for installed items.
• Reconcile physical stock counts with perpetual inventory records (both quantity and value) and investigate any variances or discrepancies promptly.
• Support the team in periodic reviews of inventory valuation, including obsolescence and net realisable value assessments.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations to ensure integrity of the general ledger and financial records, with a primary focus on inventory.
• Review finance processes to ensure that continuous improvements are made to improve inventory tracking and control.
• Liaising with finance representatives to finalise results, reporting on variances as required and providing clear documentation and corrective journal entries where necessary.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end reconciliations and schedules, and working closely with our auditors throughout the year end audit.
• Provide forecasting and KPI support: compiling data for the monthly re-forecasting, annual budgeting process, KPI tracking for the Supply Chain division.

What you’ll need

• A relevant degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Part-qualified or actively studying towards a professional accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or ICAS).
• 1–2 years experience in a cost accounting or similar role.
• Experience in a business with a physical inventory component preferable (e.g., retail, manufacturing, or services with hardware installation).
• Strong IT skills including advanced Excel skills such as complex formulas and data analysis.
• Must be able to effectively and confidently communicate and present to senior management, both within finance and operational teams.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with financial accounting software (NetSuite) would be preferable.

Why else you’ll love it here

Octopus Energy Group is a unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground. We were recently named the UK’s top company to work for, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024.

If this sounds like you then we’d love to hear from you.

As an equal opportunity employer we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.