We are working on behalf of a client to recruit a Cost Accountantto support and enhance the businesss cost accounting, margin analysis, and financial reporting capabilities within a food manufacturing environment.
The role will play a key part in maintaining robust standard costing, supporting commercial decision-making, and improving financial insight across products, customers, and operations.
Key Responsibilities Regularly evaluate, review, and reset standard costs across the business.
Analyse material price variances and material usage variances against standard costs.
Develop, maintain, and review labour and overhead cost standards.
Produce regular reporting comparing standard costs to actual results, highlighting key drivers and variances.
Review and challenge product costings in collaboration with Product and Business Development teams.
Examine and validate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure costing accuracy and integrity.
Produce detailed margin analysis across products and customers to support pricing, profitability, and strategic decisions.
Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes, including cost assumptions and variance analysis.
Provide financial analysis and insight to support operational and commercial decision-making.
Support ad hoc projects and financial analysis as required by the business.
Work with and develop reporting from large-scale ERP systems (e.g.
Microsoft Business Central, SAP).
Enhance and automate reporting using Microsoft Power Query and Power BI, delivering clear and actionable insights.
Skills & Experience Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
Previous experience in a food manufacturing or similar manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and product costing.
Experience working with ERP systems such as Microsoft Business Central or SAP.
Advanced Excel skills and solid experience with Power Query and Power BI.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
Experience partnering with Product Development or Commercial teams.
Exposure to continuous improvement or cost optimisation initiatives.
Detail-oriented with a strong commercial mindset.
Confident working cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Proactive, inquisitive, and comfortable challenging data and assumptions.
Interested in this opportunity? Send your CV to Anne Quinn, Manager or call Anne on Skills: 'Cost Accountant' 'Financial Analyst' 'Management Accountant' Benefits: See Description