At a Glance
- Tasks: Own cost accounting processes and analyse manufacturing performance to drive business decisions.
- Company: Join a well-established international manufacturing business with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75,000 and long-term career prospects.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with high operational exposure.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong manufacturing finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Robert Half is partnering with a well-established, international manufacturing business to recruit a technically strong Manufacturing Cost Accountant .
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation where you'll play a key role in supporting the financial management of a busy manufacturing facility.
This position is suited to someone with hands-on manufacturing finance experience who understands the operational side of a production environment and has owned cost accounting processes from standard costing through to month-end reporting.
The Role Working closely with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Procurement and Sales, you'll be responsible for ensuring accurate product costing, inventory reporting and manufacturing performance analysis, while providing commercial insight to support business decisions.
Key responsibilities include: Owning the cost accounting processes for the manufacturing facility.
Maintaining and reviewing standard costs and product costing data.
Analysing manufacturing variances, labour, material and overhead absorption.
Monitoring inventory valuation, excess and obsolete stock provisions, and inventory accuracy.
Working closely with Operations and Procurement to optimise inventory levels and improve financial performance.
Supporting Engineering and operational teams with inventory utilisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Producing costing information to support pricing decisions and margin analysis.
Supporting Sales with pricing and profitability queries.
Managing the manufacturing month-end close, including accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, reconciliations and reporting.
Preparing monthly management reports with clear analysis of manufacturing performance and key variances.
Supporting statutory reporting, VAT returns, external audit and compliance activities.
Driving improvements to financial processes, controls and reporting across the manufacturing function.
About You We're looking for someone who can demonstrate genuine ownership of manufacturing finance within a production environment.
You'll ideally have: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
Experience as a Cost Accountant, Manufacturing Accountant, Plant Accountant or similar role.
Strong manufacturing finance experience within an engineering, electronics, industrial, aerospace, automotive, FMCG, pharmaceutical or similar production environment.
Practical experience of: Standard costing Product costing Bills of Materials (BOMs) Inventory valuation Manufacturing variances Labour and overhead absorption Month-end reporting within a manufacturing facility Experience partnering with Operations, Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain teams.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insight.
Advanced Excel skills and previous ERP system experience.
What's on Offer Salary up to £75,000.
Opportunity to join a successful international manufacturing business.
High level of operational exposure and business partnering.
A varied, hands-on role where you can influence operational and commercial decision-making.
Stable business with long-term career prospects.
If you're an experienced Manufacturing Cost Accountant looking for a role where you'll work closely with the operational side of the business and make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions.
Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply.
Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.
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Manufacturing Cost Accountant employer: Robert Half
At Robert Half, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an IT Project Manager, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a highly regulated environment, supported by a team that values professional growth and development. With competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Cost Accountant
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Robert Half, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Cost Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Robert Half specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Robert Half, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Robert Half value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
