Cost Accountant Location: Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4EL Salary: Competitive, DOE Contract: Full-time, Permanent Benefits: Competitive salary, Private medical insurance, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Salary sacrifice pension scheme, Life assurance, State-of-the-art working environment and the Opportunity to shape and influence business growth! Join VACGEN and Help Drive Financial Excellence in a World-Leading Manufacturing Environment VACGEN is a leading specialist in ultra-high vacuum technology, supplying innovative solutions to customers worldwide. We are seeking a motivated and analytical Cost Accountant to join our Finance team in Lower Dicker, East Sussex. Reporting directly to the Financial Manager, you will play a key role in delivering accurate product costing, inventory valuation, margin analysis, and financial reporting to support strategic business decisions and operational performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with experience in manufacturing who is looking to further develop their career within a dynamic and growing organisation. As our Cost Accountant you will: * Perform quarterly cost roll-ups and Bill of Materials (BOM) reviews. * Analyse manufacturing variances, including material, labour and overhead costs. * Monitor inventory valuation and reconcile inventory accounts. * Coordinate and support inventory counts, cycle counts and stocktakes. * Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies. * Prepare product and customer profitability analysis. * Complete month-end journals relating to inventory and cost of sales, including: Obsolescence accruals, Labour and overhead reallocations and Absorption adjustments * Produce daily and weekly labour efficiency reports. * Prepare balance sheet reconciliations. * Maintain the fixed asset register and process monthly depreciation. * Prepare monthly board reporting on inventory ageing and inventory segmentation. * Maintain and improve costing systems and ERP modules, including Microsoft Dynamics AX. * Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial and cost data. * Develop reporting tools using Excel and Business Intelligence platforms. * Drive continuous improvement and standardisation across finance processes. * Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards including IFRS and UK GAAP. * Maintain robust internal controls relating to inventory and costing. * Support year-end audit requirements and costing-related enquiries. In order to be successful in this role you must have: * 1-2 years' experience in Cost Accounting or Management Accounting. * Strong understanding of manufacturing or operational business environments. * Experience using ERP systems such as Dynamics AX, SAP, Oracle or similar. * Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, modelling and data analysis. * Strong knowledge of standard costing and absorption costing methodologies. * Experience interpreting and presenting financial data for decision-making. * Knowledge of lean manufacturing or process improvement methodologies. It would be great if you had: * Experience using Sage Payroll and Sage HR. * Previous experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX. * Professionally qualified or part-qualified (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent). Why Join VACGEN At VACGEN, you'll become part of a highly skilled team supporting advanced manufacturing and engineering solutions used around the world. You'll have the opportunity to influence business performance, improve processes, and develop your career within a supportive and innovative environment. Apply today and take the next step in your finance career with VACGEN
Cost Accountant employer: Vacgen Ltd
VACGEN is an exceptional employer located in Hailsham, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances, employees are empowered to shape people strategy and drive business performance in a state-of-the-art working environment. Join us to make a real impact in a company that values innovation and collaboration.
