Cost Accountant

STRAIN MEASUREMENT DEVICES LIMITED; Chedburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic manufacturing company in Chedburgh is seeking a dedicated Cost Accountant to develop and maintain a standard cost system tailored to their production processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in cost or management accounting, excellent analytical and organizational skills, and proficiency with Excel and accounting software. We offer a salary of £50k along with pension contributions, 25 days of paid holiday, and potential study support.

Benefits

£50k salary

Employer pension contribution

25 days’ paid holiday

Study support possible

Qualifications

• Experience in cost or management accounting, preferably in manufacturing.
• Ability to manage large data sets and perform detailed analyses.
• Interest in continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain standard cost system reflecting production processes.
• Establish, manage standard costs for materials, labor, and overheads.
• Provide variance analysis and reporting on actual vs standard costs.
• Prepare cost reports for management accounting and budgeting.
• Support month-end close activities including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Assist with various accounting tasks in a busy accounts office.
• Maintain audit schedules for internal and external audit requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Qualified or Finalist accountant

Part Qualified or QBE with costing experience

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

About Us

Strain Measurement Devices Ltd is a dynamic and ambitious manufacturer of precision measurement instruments. We’re committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in everything we do. We are now looking for a dedicated Cost Accountant to join our team — someone who will play a central role in shaping how we track, manage, and optimise costs across the business.

The Role

As our Cost Accountant, your main responsibility will be to develop and maintain a standard cost system that reflects our unique production processes and supports informed decision‑making. On a day‑to‑day basis, you will:

• Establish, update, and manage standard costs for materials, labour, and overheads based on actual production activities.
• Compare actual costs vs standard costs, identify variances, and provide clear variance analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with procurement, production, and operations to identify cost‑saving opportunities and suggest efficiencies.
• Prepare regular cost reports to support management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision‑making.
• Provide month‑end close support to the Financial Controller, including journal entries, reconciliations and management‑accounting reports.
• Assist with various accounting tasks in a small, busy accounts office — from purchase/sales ledger to bank reconciliations and general accounting support.
• Maintain audit schedules and support both internal and external audit requirements related to cost accounting.

What We’re Looking For

• The role will be suited to a recently Qualified or a Finalist. We will also consider a Part Qualified or QBE with costing experience.
• Prior experience in cost or management accounting, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong analytical skills, high attention to detail, and ability to work with large data sets (e.g. using Excel/spreadsheets and accounting software).
• Excellent organisational, problem‑solving and communication skills — able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• An interest in continuous improvement, cost optimisation and supporting strategic decision‑making through reliable financial data and insight.

We Offer

• £50k salary
• Employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum — increasing with length of service
• 25 days’ paid holiday + all statutory (bank and public) holidays
• Study support is possible for the right cundidate