Cost Accountant

Zenith People; Long Lee; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in the UK is seeking an experienced accountant to manage product costing and profitability analysis. The candidate must possess strong Excel skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include producing sales forecasts and managing price adjustments related to polymer mechanisms. The position requires excellent analytical abilities and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar accounting role.
• Strong computer skills required (pivot tables, v-lookups).
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out product costing for new products.
• Maximise profitability on costings and existing SKUs.
• Control EBITDA by SKU and customer reporting.
• Manage price adjustments due to polymer mechanisms.
• Produce the monthly sales forecast by SKU and customer.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Excellent analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Proactive approach

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Zenith People are working with a market leading manufacturer in the packaging sector, known for its innovation, quality standards, and commitment to sustainability. The business operates in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment with strong ties to the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Reporting to the Head of Accounting, this autonomous position will be a challenging multi-faceted role requiring a person who can adapt and be flexible in managing their duties. It would be advantageous if you have experience working within a complex manufacturing organisation.

The suitable candidate should be self-driven, results orientated, a team player and above all have a positive 'can do' attitude.

This position is based at our site in Keighley, West Yorkshire. We also have a site in Sedgefield, County Durham and regular travel (once a week) will be required to that site.

Responsibilities

• Carry out product costing for all new products to ensure that appropriate margin will be achieved upon implementation.
• Work proactively with operations and commercial colleagues to maximise profitability on both new costings and existing SKUs, looking for ways to do things in a more cost-effective manner and strengthening commercials.
• Control EBITDA by SKU and customer reporting. Analysing where there are opportunities and risks to the Group's commercial performance and report findings and recommendations to the senior team monthly.
• Follow through actions above to ensure they are implemented timely and deliver the benefit expected.
• Liaise with the wider commercial team in the Group to ensure commercial activity is aligned and driving the best outcome.
• Manage price adjustments due to polymer mechanisms. Provide calculations to the commercial team and support in implementing these with customers as they fall due.
• Work with the commercial and planning teams to produce the monthly sales forecast by SKU and customer and ensure its robustness. Monitor performance against this as the month unfolds and challenge any areas where orders are not manifesting.
• Review monthly stocktakes and investigate discrepancies with the operational team. Review slow moving stock monthly and devise actions with the commercial team to move the stock on.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a similar accounting role
• Strong Excel and computer skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, etc.)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Good attention to detail
• Proactive approach to work
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Being able to develop interdepartmental relationships and providing support