FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNERA leading international manufacturer operating in highly regulated markets is expanding its finance capability to support ongoing growth and increased production complexity. The organisation delivers high-quality products to global customers and continues to invest in operations, supply chain and technology. This role sits at the centre of cost visibility and operational decision-making, enabling improved profitability, strengthened financial controls and enhanced performance across manufacturing. It offers the opportunity to influence strategic cost management within a scaling, innovation-driven environment.ResponsibilitiesOversee core cost accounting processes, ensuring accurate standard costing, inventory valuation and variance analysis.Maintain and optimise cost accounting systems to ensure robust, decision-ready data.Deliver monthly, quarterly and annual cost reports with clear commentary for senior leadership.Analyse production costs, overhead structures and cost drivers to identify opportunities for margin improvement.Report on product profitability, cost trends and operational performance metrics.Implement and monitor KPIs that strengthen cost control and operational efficiency.Investigate and explain variances versus budget and forecast, highlighting commercial impact.Partner with production, supply chain and operations teams to align cost insights with operational plans.Lead initiatives to streamline processes, automate reporting and strengthen data accuracy.Drive continuous improvement across cost control, reporting cycles and financial planning activities.Manage and develop the cost accounting team, ensuring high-quality output and capability building.Support annual budgets, rolling forecasts and long-term financial planning with accurate cost inputs.RequirementsProfessional qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA.Strong grounding in cost accounting principles including standard costing, ABC and variance analysis.Experience supporting manufacturing or GMP-driven environments.Capability to interpret complex data sets and convert them into commercially actionable insights.Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with data analytics tools.Strong technical understanding of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle or similar).Ability to manage and develop a high-performing accounting team.Exceptional attention to detail combined with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and guide operational decisions.Strong communication skills with confidence presenting financial insights to senior leaders.Ability to challenge assumptions constructively and drive accountability across functions.For more information, please contact(email protected)