Cost Accountant

JR United Kingdom; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG food manufacturer is seeking a Cost Accountant to improve financial operations in Cambridgeshire. The ideal candidate will manage product costing, variances, and collaborate with teams to drive profitability. If you have a proven background in cost accounting within manufacturing, this permanent role offers an excellent opportunity for growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing and cost variance analysis.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate standard costing and product costings.
• Analyse cost variances and provide insight into production performance.
• Collaborate with teams to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

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• Do you have experience in FMCG manufacturing?
• Can you work onsite in Cambridgeshire?

MacGregor Black is delighted to partner with a leading FMCG food manufacturer in the search for a Cost Accountant. This is a permanent, on-site role based in Cambridgeshire.

As the Cost Accountant, you will be at the heart of the company’s financial operations—focusing on product costing, cost control, and margin analysis to drive profitability and operational efficiency. Your expertise will directly support production and commercial teams in making informed, cost-effective decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and maintain accurate standard costing and product costings across all lines.
• Analyse cost variances, margins, and COGS to provide insight into production performance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation, stock reconciliations, and cost-of-inventory records.
• Support preparation of management accounts and detailed cost reports.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis from a cost perspective.
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register and oversee capital expenditure tracking.
• Handle daily financial operations including bank postings, balance sheet reconciliations, and expense management.
• Prepare VAT returns and assist with HMRC filings as needed.
• Support ongoing improvement of costing models, financial controls, and reporting systems.

What We’re Looking For:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or FMCG environment—food industry experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost variance analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness to challenge and influence operational decisions.
• Proficient with ERP and costing systems; Excel and data modelling skills a strong plus.
• A detail-oriented, proactive team player with excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

Please contact Carl Maw for full details.