Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and update costing systems while providing finance support to project managers.
- Company: Join Wabtec UK, a leader in train maintenance and operation optimisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing strategies that protect margins and drive efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in costing systems; ACA, CIMA, or ACCA qualifications preferred.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Cost Accountant at Wabtec UK based in Birkenhead where we support our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains.
Salary: £Competitive
Location: Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside (CH41 1LF)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference?
- Develop strategies to protect margins through ensuring the costing system is up‑to‑date and accurate.
- Perform audits to establish movements between forecasted and actual margins, investigate variances to standard costs, and help identify and implement solutions.
Typical day
- Responsible for managing and updating the costing system.
- Provide finance support to business/project managers from project appraisal through to completion.
- Investigate variances to standards, assist in identifying solutions and their implementation.
- Forecast contract margin by product line.
- Provide post‑project contribution margin evaluation.
- Analyze and report on sales and order book.
- Perform month‑end activities ensuring group reporting timetables are adhered to.
- Assist with external audit information requests.
- Annual cost roll‑up within ER system.
What do we want to know about you?
- Either qualified by experience or part/fully qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA).
- Experience in a manufacturing environment is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of costing systems and principles.
- Experience of working with ERP systems (Experience with Movex is advantageous).
- Ability to collaborate effectively across different business functions.
- Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.
If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values and always put people first and strive to expand what is possible. Apply today!
Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know – we’ve got you.
Cost Accountant employer: Wabtec
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Recruiting Team
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 accounting sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a Cost Accountant role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your costing systems knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled variances and improved margins in past roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. Check out our website for openings at Wabtec UK and tailor your approach to show why you’d be a great addition to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
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 with costing systems and any relevant qualifications like ACA, CIMA, or ACCA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any experience in manufacturing or ERP systems, as that’s a bonus for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Did you improve a costing system or help save costs? We love to see how you've made a difference in previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Wabtec UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Cost Accountant, you'll be dealing with figures all day long. Brush up on your costing systems and principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed or updated costing systems in the past, and think of specific examples where you’ve successfully identified variances and implemented solutions.
✨Showcase Your ERP Experience
If you have experience with ERP systems, especially Movex, make sure to highlight it. Prepare to talk about how you've used these systems to support project managers or improve financial reporting. If you don’t have direct experience, research how ERP systems function and be ready to discuss how you would adapt your skills to learn quickly.
✨Collaboration is Key
Wabtec values collaboration across different business functions. Think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team or supported other departments. Be prepared to discuss how you can bridge the gap between finance and operations, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. For instance, they might ask how you would handle a significant variance in forecasted vs actual margins. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to implement effective solutions.