Cost Accountant

Robert Walters UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A finance recruitment agency seeks a skilled Cost Accountant for a finance team in London. This role involves managing accounts payable, maintaining fixed asset registers, and preparing essential control reports. The ideal candidate will hold a recognized accountancy qualification and possess at least three years of experience in a similar role, with proven abilities in budgeting and collaboration across departments. A competitive daily rate of £325-350 PAYE is offered for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of post-qualification experience in a finance role.
• Hands-on experience with accounts payable and fixed asset registers.
• Experience with preparing control reports and managing month-end processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of accounts payable activities.
• Manage fixed asset registers and ensure compliance.
• Prepare daily control reports and conduct month-end reconciliations.

Skills

Accounts payable management

Fixed asset management

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Budgeting support

Education

Recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., ACCA)

Job description

Cost Accountant Salary: £325-350/day PAYE Location: London Keywords: Accounts payable, Fixed asset register, Daily controls, Month end tasks, Budget support, Qualified accountant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled Cost Accountant. This role offers the chance to work within a close-knit, supportive finance team, where your expertise will be valued. With a competitive daily rate of £325-350 PAYE, this position is ideal for a qualified accountant with at least three years of post‑qualification experience who is looking to further their career in an environment that values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. The successful candidate will enjoy the chance to partner closely with both front office and support functions, making this an excellent step for those seeking variety and responsibility in their next role.

What you'll do:

As a Cost Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of financial processes. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will see you managing accounts payable activities from start to finish, maintaining meticulous records, overseeing payment processing, conducting regular creditor reviews, and providing essential support to colleagues across various business areas. You will also take ownership of the fixed asset register for both tangible and intangible assets, ensuring compliance with internal standards. In addition to preparing daily control reports for the accounting system, you will be responsible for key month end tasks such as accruals, prepayments, suspense account reconciliations, and detailed cost reporting. Your ability to partner effectively with both front office staff and support functions will be crucial as you offer guidance on budgetary matters. Success in this role requires not only technical proficiency but also a collaborative approach that fosters teamwork within the finance department.

• Co‑ordinate, oversee, and process payments made to suppliers and employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all accounts payable activities.
• Conduct weekly creditor reviews to maintain up‑to‑date records and ensure prompt resolution of outstanding items.
• Review postings in the accounts payable system, providing guidance and support to other business areas with submitting purchase orders and invoices.
• Maintain the fixed asset register for both tangible and intangible assets, ensuring all entries are accurate and compliant with internal policies.
• Prepare and review daily control reports for the accounting system, identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Perform month end tasks related to costs, including accruals for administrative expenses, prepayments, reconciliation of suspense accounts, and reporting cost versus budget‑to‑budget holders.
• Partner with front office teams and support functions to provide expert advice on budget issues, including facilitating requests for exceptional budget approvals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function by identifying opportunities to streamline processes or enhance controls.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues within the finance team to share knowledge, resolve queries, and ensure best practices are followed throughout all activities.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for this Cost Accountant position will bring substantial experience gained from working in similar roles within banking & financial services. Your background should include hands‑on involvement with accounts payable activities, as well as maintaining comprehensive fixed asset registers. You will have demonstrated your ability to prepare robust daily control reports alongside managing complex month end processes involving accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and cost analysis. Your interpersonal strengths will shine through your collaborative approach when partnering with colleagues across different business areas on budgeting matters. A keen eye for detail coupled with analytical thinking ensures you can spot inconsistencies swiftly while contributing positively towards process enhancements. Above all else, your willingness to share knowledge within a small yet highly effective finance team sets you apart as someone who thrives in communal environments where mutual support is valued.

• Hold a recognised accountancy qualification (such as ACCA) with at least three years of post‑qualification experience in a similar finance or accounting role.
• Demonstrate proven experience managing accounts payable processes including payment processing, creditor reviews.
• Showcase strong skills in maintaining fixed asset registers for both tangible and intangible assets within a regulated environment.
• Exhibit proficiency in preparing daily control reports for accounting systems along with performing month end tasks such as accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and cost reporting.
• Display excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments including front office teams and support functions.
• Possess strong attention to detail combined with analytical abilities that enable you to identify discrepancies quickly and implement solutions efficiently.
• Bring experience supporting budgeting processes by partnering with stakeholders on budget issues or exceptional approvals.
• Demonstrate adaptability when responding to changing priorities or supporting process improvements within the finance function.
• Show commitment to knowledge sharing by working closely with colleagues in a small team environment.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this rewarding Cost Accountant role within a supportive finance team in London's thriving private banking sector, we encourage you to apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided, your next career chapter awaits!

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.