Cost Accountant (Fixed-Term, 12 Months)

AXA Group; Redhill; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

25 days holiday (plus rising to 27)

Retail Discounts

Share scheme/loan options

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted Home Insurance

Employee Assistance Scheme

Gym membership discount

Pension/Financial education seminars

Job summary

AXA Partners is seeking a newly qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA accountant to lead cost accounting activities and support financial reporting. The role covers month-end close, journal entries, payroll accounting, and variance analysis, with interaction across FP&A and audits.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate integrity, strong analytical skills, and an ability to communicate complex financial information clearly within a fast-paced team environment. UK work eligibility required.

Qualifications

• Newly qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA accountant with relevant experience.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive data.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and identify discrepancies.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines.
• Effective communicator who can translate complex financial information clearly.
• Proactive team player with a collaborative approach and a willingness to challenge and improve.
• Adaptability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of FCA reporting, SM&CR, and Consumer Duty is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the month-end closing process within a 5-day timeframe.
• Prepare, review and post journal entries; reconcile accounts to maintain data accuracy.
• Analyze quarterly cost reports and provide insights for management decisions within 10 days.
• Manage payroll accounting, including wages, deductions and benefits, ensuring accuracy.
• Understand cost base and explain variances between P&L and Balance Sheet.
• Handle large datasets with meticulous attention to detail and maintain an auditable trail.
• Support audit readiness by producing transparent, compliant and auditable results.
• Prepare board packs for CFO presentations and collaborate with FP&A on budgets and forecasts.

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Job description

Join Our Finance Team as a Cost Accountant – Drive Accuracy and Insight in Financial Reporting!

(12-month fixed-term contract)

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and coordinate the month-end closing process, ensuring completion within a 5-day timeframe.


• Prepare, review, and post journal entries; reconcile accounts to maintain data accuracy.


• Analyze quarterly cost reports, providing insights to support management decision-making within a 10-day window.


• Manage payroll accounting, including wages, deductions, and benefits, ensuring compliance and accuracy.


• Develop a strong understanding of the cost base, explaining variances between P&L and Balance Sheet.


• Handle large datasets with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining an auditable trail of transactions.


• Support audit readiness by producing transparent, compliant, and auditable financial results.


• Prepare board packs for CFO presentations and collaborate with the FP&A team on budgets and forecasts.

What you’ll bring:

• Newly qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA accountant with relevant experience.


• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive data.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and identify discrepancies.


• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills to meet tight deadlines.


• Effective communicator who can translate complex financial information clearly.


• Proactive team player with a collaborative approach and a willingness to challenge and improve.


• Adaptability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities.


• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks such as FCA reporting, SM&CR, and Consumer Duty is a plus.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer

At AXA Partners, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive Salary


• 25 days rising to a maximum of 27 days (based on a 5 day week)


• Retail Discounts


• Company Shareplan /Scheme & Loan


• Cycle2Work Scheme


• Discounted Home Insurance


• Employee Assistance Scheme


• Dr@Hand


• Discounted Gym Membership


• Free Financial Education/Pension Seminars

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long‑term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, please send an email to AXA Partners Global HR Response - [e-mail]

Who we are

We’re AXA Partners, experts at designing and delivering assistance solutions and specialised insurance, credit, and lifestyle protection – with and for our partners worldwide. What sets us apart? The expertise and passion of our 8,500+ people, and a strong network of over 55,000 professionals all over the world. Powered by them and our sector‑leading technology, we continuously evolve, adapt and thrive – offering solutions and services that make sure we’re always at people’s side, no matter what. Helping others is our passion. Combining the best digital technology with our warm, human touch, we’re always looking at new ways to offer seamless and reassuring experiences when it really matters.

Join a company that helps protect the forests! At AXA Partners, we plant a tree for every new recruit (with a permanent contract)