Cost Accountant FTC in Bude

Come and join the leading Westfalia Fruit, a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain, we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes and fresh produce 365 days a year across the globe. With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading experts and considered the supplier of choice to both retail and wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America and Southern Africa.

We are looking for a Cost Accountant to join our team in Kings Hill, West Malling on a 3-4 month fixed term basis. As a Cost Accountant, you will be responsible for delivering detailed and accurate analysis of cost structures across our warehouse, production, and distribution operations. You will assess and model the financial impact of operational activities on overall business performance, including cost control, operational efficiency, and profitability. This role will play a key part in identifying cost drivers, variances, and improvement opportunities, providing actionable insights to support informed decision-making. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate cost allocation, support pricing and margin analysis, and enhance financial visibility across Westfalia Fruit's end-to-end supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Validate and reconcile production data in the ERP system to ensure accurate cost allocation and reporting.
• Perform product costing and BOM reviews, ensuring cost accuracy and integrity.
• Prepare cost estimates and financial assessments for new products and production process changes.
• Produce and analyse weekly and monthly operational performance reports, including Packhouse site analysis.
• Investigate and explain budget and financial variances, identifying key drivers and improvement actions.
• Analyse labour, efficiency, machine utilisation, waste, and supplier performance to support cost optimisation.
• Support internal and external audits and respond to ad-hoc commercial and costing requests.
• Develop and enhance financial and cost models to support pricing, margin, and profitability analysis.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Cost Accountant, Commercial Finance, or similar business partner role, with strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building relationships across different teams and levels of the business.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Prophet ERP system would be an advantage.
• Experience of fresh produce/food manufacturing would be beneficial.
• Finance qualified, such as CIMA, or equivalent professional experience is preferred.

Benefits

• 23 days holiday
• Free on-site parking
• Free Tea & Coffee
• Company pension plan
• Medicash cash plan
• Christmas hampers

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.