At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making in a manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, 27 days holiday, and comprehensive healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving cost efficiency and driving strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified in CIMA/ACCA/ACA, with strong Excel and data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Cost Accountant will provide accurate, timely financial reporting and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making within a manufacturing environment. The role supports cost control, forecasting, and performance insight across production operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare monthly management reports, including margin and performance analysis
- Produce monthly P&Ls for two key business units
- Support the month-end close process
- Produce rolling forecasts, with a focus on production costs
- Deliver weekly efficiency reporting across production operations
- Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights
- Cost Accounting
- Perform variance analysis (material, labour, overhead), identifying key drivers
- Review cost absorption and overhead allocation
- Support the standard costing process
- Participate in stock obsolescence reviews and related analysis
- Partner with operations to improve cost efficiency and reduce waste
- Planning & Forecasting
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes
- Monitor actual vs budget and highlight key variances
- Business Partnering
- Work cross-functionally to support data-driven decision making
- Collaborate with procurement to track cost savings
- Provide ad hoc financial analysis
- Controls & Process Improvement
- Support audit and year-end requirements
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and systems
- Contribute to cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Part‑or fully qualified (CIMA/ACCA/ACA – CIMA preferred) or qualified by experience
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong Excel and data analysis skills
- Experience with ERP systems
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage non-finance stakeholders
- Understanding of standard costing
Desirable
- PowerBI / Power Query experience
Personal Attributes
- Analytical with strong attention to detail
- Commercial and operationally focused
- Proactive with a questioning mindset
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills
- Able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment
Benefits
You will receive a competitive salary (and a discretionary bonus), flexible working and excellent benefits including 27 days holiday allowance (before bank holidays), 3 days’ paid volunteering leave, comprehensive private healthcare, enhanced pension plan, life assurance, optional participation in a Share Ownership Plan, free onsite parking, flexible benefits, and access to a personal discounts’ portal. We also offer a range of additional support and benefits through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan. We are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
Cost Accountant in Cheltenham employer: Spirax-Sarco Engineering
Join a forward-thinking company in Cheltenham, where as a Cost Accountant, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that values your contributions. With hybrid working options, competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact operational efficiency while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cost accounting. Think about how you can showcase your analytical skills and experience with ERP systems. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects or analyses, compile them into a presentation. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cost Accountant role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing environments and your skills in financial reporting and analysis. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong Excel and data analysis skills! If you've worked with ERP systems or have experience in PowerBI, make it pop in your application. We love seeing those technical skills in action.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. We appreciate a personal touch that shows us who you are.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirax-Sarco Engineering
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll be dealing with financial data all the time. Brush up on your understanding of key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This will show that you can translate numbers into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've performed variance analysis or improved cost efficiency in previous positions. Be specific about the tools you used, like Excel or ERP systems, and how your contributions made a difference in the business.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working cross-functionally, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with non-finance stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you made complex financial concepts easy for others to understand.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Discussions
The company values continuous improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how to enhance reporting processes or reduce costs. This shows you're proactive and have a mindset geared towards efficiency, which is crucial in a manufacturing environment.
