At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making in a manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Spirax Group, a global leader in engineered solutions for efficient industrial systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, 27 days holiday, and comprehensive healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cost efficiency and sustainability in diverse industries.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified in CIMA/ACCA/ACA with strong Excel 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 to the Financial Controller, responsibilities include:
- 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)
- 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
- Power BI / 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
The Steam Thermal Solutions business is one of three businesses within Spirax Group. Spirax Sarco and Gestra are our two brands that form Steam Thermal Solutions and are global leaders in the supply of engineered solutions for the design, provision and maintenance of efficient industrial and commercial steam systems.
Spirax Group is a FTSE100 and FTSE4Good multi-national industrial engineering Group with expertise in the control and management of steam, electric thermal solutions, peristaltic pumping and associated fluid technologies.
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 are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like to apply using this scheme, please select this option in our application form or notify our recruitment partners.
Cost Accountant employer: Spirax Sarco
Spirax Group is an exceptional employer located in Cheltenham, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee growth, inclusive culture, and comprehensive benefits such as 27 days of holiday, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact across diverse industries while enjoying a supportive environment that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Accountant
✨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 introducing yourself. 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 and financial analysis. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your skills and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your value as a Cost Accountant and your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Spirax Group. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Accountant
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! Mention any experience with ERP systems and how you've used these tools to drive efficiency in your previous roles. This will help us see your potential impact.
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 values. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and have a questioning mindset.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirax Sarco
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll be dealing with financial data all the time. Brush up on your understanding of cost accounting principles, variance analysis, and standard costing. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Strong Excel skills are essential for this role. Make sure you’re comfortable with functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. During the interview, you might be asked to solve a problem or analyse data on the spot, so practice your Excel skills beforehand!
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to engage with non-finance stakeholders, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think about examples from your past where you successfully communicated financial insights to help drive decision-making.
✨Show Your Analytical Side
Being analytical is key for a Cost Accountant. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your attention to detail and analytical skills led to improved cost efficiency or process improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
