Job Overview
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The Financial Planning Analyst - Cost Accountant is a pivotal role that partners with senior leadership to deliver robust financial insights, costings, and gross margin analysis.
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The successful candidate will drive efficiencies, support decision-making, and identify continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
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Key Responsibilities:
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* Partner with Managing Director, Finance Director, and senior leaders to provide operational support.
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* Deliver financial analysis to support capital investment, cost saving, and innovation initiatives.
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* Analyse and report on plant performance, efficiency, and KPIs.
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* Develop and implement line and product efficiency models.
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* Own product costings, including Bill of Materials by SKU.
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* Manage and report on gross margin analysis by SKU, reconciling P&L and commercial performance.
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* Create and manage a costing tool for new product launches.
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* Provide weekly and monthly gross margin reports with recommendations.
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* Maintain weekly price files, process costings, promotional costings, CAPEX project costings, and labour/overhead analysis.
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* Support management with ad hoc project work and cost saving initiatives.
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* Review and implement systems and reporting improvements.
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Requirements:
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* Essential: 3 years' experience in cost accounting or FP&A within a manufacturing environment.
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* Strong financial analysis skills, including variance analysis, forecasting, and modelling.
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* Experience implementing new systems and software to drive improvements.
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* Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
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* Advanced Excel skills, including v-lookups, pivot tables, charting, and database functions.
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* Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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* Ability to work collaboratively and manage time effectively.
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Desirable Requirements:
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* Experience in FMCG or food production.
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* Proficiency with data analysis tools (Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, SQL, OLAP).
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* Third-level qualification in Accounting & Finance or Food Science.
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* Experience in software implementation and report automation.
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