At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain cost accounting processes, analyse variances, and support budgeting activities.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing business focused on operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Benefits: Opportunity to impact financial performance and work closely with senior leadership.
- Other info: Experience with ERP systems like SAP or Sage is essential.
- Why this job: Ideal for finance professionals passionate about standard costing in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Cost Management Accountant to join a growing manufacturing business. This role is ideal for a finance professional with strong standard costing expertise who enjoys working closely with operational teams to drive performance, improve profitability, and support strategic decision‑making. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in maintaining robust cost accounting processes, analysing cost variances, and ensuring accurate product costing across a diverse product portfolio. Working alongside finance, commercial, operations, and production teams, you will help deliver meaningful insights that support business growth and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, and enhance standard cost accounting systems and procedures.
- Establish and maintain standard costs across all products, ensuring regular review and accuracy.
- Analyse actual costs against standard costs and investigate variances to identify key trends and opportunities.
- Partner with production and operational teams to ensure standard costing principles are effectively applied.
- Support the development and implementation of cost accounting policies and procedures across the business.
- Review stock valuation processes to ensure alignment with standard costing methodologies and accurate financial reporting.
- Prepare and present cost analysis reports and recommendations to senior management.
- Identify cost‑saving opportunities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities where required.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will possess a strong background in management accounting within a manufacturing or production environment and demonstrate a proactive approach to improving financial performance.
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, or part‑qualified with significant relevant experience.
- Previous experience in a management accounting role, ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, or a similar operational environment.
- Proven expertise in cost accounting, standard costing, product costing, and variance analysis.
- Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
- Experience using ERP and accounting systems such as SAP, Sage, Access, or equivalent.
- Ability to produce and interpret management accounts, KPI reports, and financial analysis.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across finance and non‑finance functions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Desirable Skills
- Experience within manufacturing, supply chain, or production‑focused finance environments.
- Knowledge of sustainability reporting, waste reduction initiatives, or operational efficiency programmes.
- Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence and reporting tools.
Key Competencies
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of operational cost drivers.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver practical solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
- Professional integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
- Adaptability and resilience within a changing business environment.
What's on Offer?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic manufacturing business where you can make a tangible impact on financial performance and operational efficiency. You'll work closely with senior leadership and play a key role in supporting the continued growth and success of the organisation.
Cost Accountant in Bristol employer: Yolk Recruitment Ltd
This dynamic manufacturing business offers a chance to influence financial performance significantly. Located in a fast-paced environment, the team values collaboration and continuous improvement. You'll engage with senior leadership to drive strategic decision-making.
