Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rathbone Brothers

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support strategic finance projects and deliver insightful cost reporting.
  • Company: Join a leading finance firm with a commitment to innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and flexible holidays.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cost optimisation and gain exposure to executive leadership.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong communication and financial analysis skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Division: Finance

Location: Glasgow, Liverpool, London

Contract: Fixed Term

Working pattern: Hybrid

About the role

Support the Head of Strategic Costs Insight (and wider Strategic Finance team) across a range of projects and regular reporting.

Responsibilities

  • Support the provision of high‑quality, insight‑led reporting on cost performance, efficiency opportunities, and cost impact of strategic projects.
  • Cost‑savings target delivery tracked against business cases/plans, with risks and variances flagged.
  • Identification, quantification, and communication of cost‑optimisation opportunities to decision‑makers.
  • Opportunities to gain direct exposure to Executive members through ongoing work.
  • Ability to challenge cost owners on costs incurred and delivery of savings.
  • Long‑term potential for more autonomous work and development of skillset and profile within the organisation.
  • Timely delivery of high‑quality Executive‑level cost reporting with positive stakeholder feedback.
  • Delivery of agreed cost‑savings targets or timely reporting on savings shortfalls.
  • Clear tracking and explanation of synergy realisation, including early identification and escalation of delivery risks or shortfalls.

About you

  • Challenging the business on optimisation of the cost base to support strategic decision‑making — ongoing and via special projects.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across the Finance team and wider business.
  • Driving continuous cost improvement aligned to corporate strategy.
  • Experience of synergy tracking and modelling.
  • Assisting with preparation of Executive‑level reporting on cost base and opportunities.
  • High level of attention to detail, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
  • Ensuring cost performance, efficiency opportunities, and financial impacts of strategic initiatives are clearly understood by senior leadership.
  • Strong presentation and report‑writing skills.
  • Ability to adjust quickly to shifting priorities and organisational change.
  • Working with the core Accounting team to provide Finance Business Partnering services to the business as required.
  • Strong financial analysis experience, ideally within FP&A, commercial finance, cost management, or strategic finance.
  • Ability to interpret complex financial data and turn it into clear, actionable insight.
  • Involvement in synergy/CTA business cases.
  • Ability to work on confidential cost‑optimisation projects as required.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Our offer to you

  • A company pension – 9% non‑contributory or 10% if you contribute 5%.
  • Private medical insurance – Individual on joining, family after 1 year’s service.
  • Life assurance – 8× salary.
  • Company share scheme.
  • Discretionary bonus.
  • Flexible holidays – purchase up to 5 additional days.
  • Green Car Scheme.
  • Family friendly policies – enhanced family leave for parents & carers.
  • Study support – study days and funding for courses and qualifications.
  • Season travel ticket loans.
  • Other voluntary benefits you can choose to suit you.

Equal Opportunities

We’re a Disability Confident Employer (level 2) under the UK Government scheme. If you require adjustments to apply for a role at Rathbones, please contact us via recruit@rathbones.com to let us know what adjustments you may need.

Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow employer: Rathbone Brothers

Rathbones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in vibrant cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, and London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for direct exposure to executive leadership, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and study support. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative culture ensures that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful financial insights and strategic decision-making.

Rathbone Brothers

Contact Details:

Rathbone Brothers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Strategic Cost Accountant role.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial analysis experience and your knack for cost optimisation. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.

Ask Smart Questions

During interviews, don’t just wait for them to ask you questions. Prepare some insightful ones about their cost strategies or how they track synergy realisation. This shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework!

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Cost Performance Analysis
Cost Optimisation
Stakeholder Communication
Financial Reporting
Synergy Tracking
Organisational Skills
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Strategic Cost Accountant. Highlight your experience in cost management and financial analysis, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the team. Mention specific projects where you've delivered cost savings or improved efficiency, and show us your strong communication skills.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your ability to interpret complex financial data. We want to see examples of how you've turned insights into actionable strategies that have influenced decision-making at a senior level.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rathbone Brothers

Know Your Numbers

As a Strategic Cost Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive cost optimisation in previous roles. This shows you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

Since the role involves challenging senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've influenced decision-making or communicated complex information effectively. This will help you showcase your strong communication skills.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've identified cost-saving opportunities or improved efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for interviewers to see your impact.

Understand the Company’s Financial Strategy

Research the company's current financial strategy and any recent projects they've undertaken. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and your proactive approach to understanding their business.