Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rathbones Group Plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support strategic finance projects and deliver insightful cost performance reports.
  • Company: Join a leading finance team in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and exposure to executive leadership.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising costs and influencing senior decision-makers.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong communication and financial analysis skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Role: Strategic Cost Accountant

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.

What you'll be responsible for:

  • 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).

Benefits

  • 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.
  • Income protection - 75 % 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.
  • Volunteering days.
  • Gym discounts.
  • Other voluntary benefits you can choose to suit you.

EEO Statement

We are committed to building a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We welcome individuals who share our values.

Disability Employment

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: Rathbones Group Plc

Rathbones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow, Liverpool, or London, where strategic thinkers can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for direct exposure to executive leadership, comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, and a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. Join us to be part of a diverse team committed to making a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive atmosphere.

Rathbones Group Plc

Contact Details:

Rathbones Group Plc 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, don’t hold back! Highlight your experience in cost optimisation and financial analysis. Make sure they know you can deliver high-quality insights and challenge the status quo.

Prepare for the Interview

Do your homework on the company and its financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their cost-saving targets and efficiency improvements. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!

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 genuinely interested in joining our team.

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

Cost Performance Analysis
Cost Optimisation
Stakeholder Communication
Financial Reporting
Synergy Tracking
Financial Analysis
Attention to Detail

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 positively impacted cost performance.

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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rathbones Group Plc

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 cost owners and influencing senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated cost-saving opportunities or influenced decisions. This will help you showcase your strong communication skills.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

The job requires working closely with the Finance team and other departments. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated on projects in the past. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to successful cost management or efficiency improvements.

Master the Art of Presentation

You'll need to deliver high-quality Executive-level reporting, so practice your presentation skills. Prepare a mock presentation on a cost-related topic, focusing on clarity and engagement. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your insights during the interview.