Cost Accountant

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology firm in Coventry seeks a hands-on Cost Accountant to shape financial strategies and enhance operational excellence. You will lead cost control, inventory management, and financial reporting, directly impacting business decisions. Ideal candidates are part-qualified accountants with experience in manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel. Comprehensive benefits include a competitive salary, flexible working, and additional bonuses.

Benefits

Discretionary Half-Year Bonus

Flexible working hours

Holidays - 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Proven experience in manufacturing or project accounting is required.
• Strong understanding of margin reporting and budgeting principles is necessary.
• Experience in improving financial reporting tools and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead on costing and inventory management to ensure stock valuations are accurate.
• Deliver monthly management accounts and variance analysis while monitoring cash flow.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to provide financial insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel skills

Understanding of cost control

Experience in manufacturing accounting

Education

Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Cost Accountant

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon-Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and Hybrid (subject to operational needs)

Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum (subject to experience)

Be the finance partner that powers operational excellence.

If you're a hands-on, process-minded Cost Accountant ready to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to shape the future of finance at NP Aerospace. We are a global leader in advanced armour systems, working at the frontline of defence innovation. As part of our growing Finance team, you'll play a critical role in cost control, inventory management, and financial insight—directly influencing how we deliver across our Armour division.

You'll lead on costing, stock valuation, and cash flow, while helping to streamline financial controls and evolve finance into a more strategic partner. You’ll report directly to our Financial Controller and work closely with our Finance Director, providing real opportunities to influence, develop, and grow.

What you’ll get in return

We offer a competitive salary and the chance to play a key role in a high-growth, globally recognised defence business. Benefits include:

• Discretionary Half-Year Bonus
• Flexible working hours (subject to operational needs)
• Holidays - 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Two weeks' paid leave for Reservists
• Pension - Employer 4% / Employee 5% (9% total)
• Life Assurance - 3x base salary
• BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan

What you’ll be doing

As Cost Accountant, you’ll take the lead on costing and inventory management—ensuring stock valuations are accurate and financial controls are robust. Your insight will directly shape pricing strategies, tenders, and key business decisions.

You’ll also deliver monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and reconciliations, while keeping a close eye on cash flow and foreign exchange impacts to maintain financial stability.

Audit and compliance will sit firmly within your remit, from preparing UK and Canadian sales tax calculations to supporting internal and external audits and ensuring statutory reporting deadlines are met.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You’ll partner with colleagues across Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain, providing clear financial insight that drives smarter decisions and improved outcomes. You’ll also help evolve finance into a more strategic function by streamlining reporting and championing continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is confident, analytical, and comfortable working cross-functionally. You should also bring:

• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
• Proven experience in manufacturing or project accounting
• Strong understanding of margin reporting, cost control and budgeting
• Solid knowledge of inventory management and operational finance
• Experience improving financial reporting tools, processes and insights
• Excellent Excel skills - including pivot tables and basic macros
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain finance to non-finance stakeholders

What we do at NP Aerospace

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers’ complex challenges. Our values—Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication—form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity and Privacy

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence-specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.