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- Tasks: Protect and maximise Gross Margin through financial control and operational insight.
- Company: Join Oliver Valves, a global leader in valve technology with over 45 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, Medi-Cash Plan, pension, and long service awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on profitability while shaping our cost-control environment.
- Qualifications: CIMA qualified with manufacturing cost accounting expertise and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and direct influence on company success.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (office based)
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 with 30-minute lunch break
We are looking for a commercially sharp, manufacturing-focused Cost Accountant to join our Finance team. This is a "boots-on-the-ground" role for a professional who thrives on the factory floor as much as in a spreadsheet. Your mission: protect and maximize Gross Margin (GM) through rigorous financial control and operational insight.
About Us
With over 45 years of valve technology innovations, Oliver Valves is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality valves and valve systems, serving industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and other critical sectors. We have won recognised awards for Export, Manufacturing and Growth – as well as the coveted Queens Award and more recently Kings Award for Industry. We’re a profitable, privately owned, and fast-moving company looking for talented individuals to join our team and deliver our strategic objectives.
What You’ll Be Doing
This is a hands-on position designed for a "doer" who will proactively identify and mitigate GM erosion. You will be the primary link between our production activities and our financial performance. You will take full ownership of the costs that impact our bottom line. Your focus will be:
- Margin Protection: Audit major projects to evaluate "Real GM vs. Budget" and proactively address cost leaks.
- Inventory & Sourcing: Manage surplus/obsolete stock and develop sourcing solutions to optimize cash flow.
- Operational Auditing: Review labour, overtime, and rework processes to ensure ERP data (Syteline) reflects reality.
- Standard Costing: Own the "roll-up" of standard costs within the ERP to ensure WIP and Cost of Sales accuracy.
- Technical Control: Lead daily cycle counting and challenge discrepancies within the production team.
- Global Support: Provide analytical assistance to our international facility in India.
What You’ll Bring
- Manufacturing DNA: You must have a deep understanding of manufacturing cost accounting (WIP, Standard Costing, and Variances).
- The "Challenger" Mindset: A strong character who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo or push back on inefficient processes.
- Systems Expertise: High proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Syteline v10 is a major plus) and advanced Excel.
- Qualifications: CIMA qualified is essential.
- Analytical Rigor: A hawk-like eye for detail balanced with an understanding of the "bigger picture".
What’s On Offer?
We are a fast-growing leader in the engineering sector, valuing fast decision-making and financial excellence. You will have a direct impact on our profitability and the freedom to shape our cost-control environment.
Salary: Competitive and negotiable (based on manufacturing & ERP experience).
Benefits: 31 days holiday (inc. bank holidays), Medi-Cash Plan, Pension, and Long Service Awards.
How to Apply
Submit your CV with a brief cover letter highlighting your experience in manufacturing cost control and Gross Margin improvement.
Cost Accountant in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
Contact Detail:
Oliver Valves Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Oliver Valves and understand their products, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Having someone vouch for you can make a huge difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to cost accounting and manufacturing. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around Gross Margin protection and operational auditing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Oliver Valves.
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant in Knutsford
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 control and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to protect Gross Margin. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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. Share specific examples of how you've tackled cost issues in the past and how you can help us maximise our Gross Margin. Keep it concise but impactful!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: We love a candidate with a hawk-like eye for detail! In your application, mention any tools or systems you've used to analyse financial data, especially if you have experience with ERP/MRP systems like Syteline. This will show us you're ready to hit the ground running.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Oliver Valves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of manufacturing cost accounting. Brush up on key concepts like WIP, standard costing, and variances. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in relation to protecting Gross Margin.
✨Show Your Challenger Mindset
This role requires someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Prepare examples of when you've identified inefficiencies and how you tackled them. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and how it benefited your previous employers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since proficiency in ERP/MRP systems is crucial, especially Syteline, make sure you can speak confidently about your experience with these tools. If you’ve worked with Syteline v10, be prepared to share specific instances where you used it to improve financial control or operational insight.
✨Bring Analytical Examples
The interviewers will want to see your analytical skills in action. Prepare to discuss specific projects where your attention to detail made a significant impact on financial performance. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your contributions to margin protection and cost control.