Cost Management AccountantManufacturing Industry

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.