Cost Controller Other in Slough

John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies. We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cost Controller within our Slough site. As the Cost Controller for the John Crane UK manufacturing site, reporting to the Global Operations Financial Business Partner for DGS, you will lead cost control and operational finance processes. This role involves close collaboration with the site Operations Management team to drive effective financial planning, deliver monthly financial insights, and ensure robust cost management. You will support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and compliance, while providing strategic financial guidance to optimize labor utilization, control costs, and enhance overall site performance. This role is based from our headquarters within Slough working Monday to Friday normal office hours.

John Crane is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to crafting an inclusive environment for all employees.

Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Financial Operations: Ensure the John Crane UK Operations Management Teams are provided monthly financial results and financial insight discussed in monthly financial review meetings that enable them to focus on decision making to maximise labour utilization, control costs & the impact to trading profit.
• Assist the UK Operations Finance Business Partner in all financial planning processes (monthly reforecasts of critical data and budgets), including the engagement of the key operations stakeholders.
• Robust and consistent cost control through oversight of the costing structure applied across the facility with clear understanding of monthly variances giving rise to under/over absorption within Operations, along with rigorous stock control.
• Assist in the annual cost update process and labour and overhead update calculations.
• Assist in the month end and year end closing reporting process.
• Develop a vital understanding of key working processes within the SAP ERP system associated to manufacturing variance generated to enhance improvements in the financial performance.

Business Strategy:

• Cost Controller to the JC UK Operations management team as well as to the Global Manufacturing Director for DGS - providing financial insight and analysis to support business strategy and decision-making.
• Robust working relationship with the JC UK Operations Management team to assist in continuous improvement in cost control/reductions to benefit operating costs impacting production labour & overhead rates.
• Ensure the regular review of all aspects of the manufacturing operations to monitor KPI's to drive performance and identify areas requiring greater focus.
• Support ad-hoc John Crane initiatives, projects, or information requests as directed by the UK Operations Finance Business Partner.
• Overall responsibility for ensuring that all aspect of Operations finance are compliant with policies and process.

Qualifications:

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• A member of a recognised Accountancy body (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CPA).
• Extensive experience with a strong focus on Operational Commercial and/or Strategic Business Analysis.
• Self-starter with flexibility and willingness to balance multiple, changing priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate and present to direct stakeholders as well as senior stakeholders.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills and experience of using financial consolidation systems and ERPs (SAP/BW knowledge strong plus).
• Ability to make good judgments in an increasingly complex global business by effectively sourcing and analysing critical information and making effective, timely decisions.