Strategic Cost Accountant in Liverpool

Strategic Cost Accountant in Liverpool

Liverpool Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rathbones

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support strategic finance projects and deliver insightful cost performance reports.
  • Company: Join a dynamic finance team in a leading organisation.
  • Benefits: Gain exposure to executives, develop skills, and enjoy career growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cost optimisation and strategic decision-making.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong communication and analytical skills.

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

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).

Strategic Cost Accountant in Liverpool employer: Rathbones

As a Strategic Cost Accountant, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Our company offers a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on professional development, providing opportunities to engage directly with Executive members and influence strategic decision-making. Located in a vibrant area, we prioritise employee well-being and foster a culture of continuous improvement, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Rathbones

Contact Details:

Rathbones Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Rathbones. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

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

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Rathbones.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Rathbones's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rathbones

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Rathbones.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Rathbones will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Rathbones employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.