Cost Accountant: Margin Focus with Study Support

Headstar; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 34,200 - 41,800; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based company in Pontefract is seeking a Cost Accountant to handle daily operational analysis, challenge performance with operations, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Candidates should have a Level 4 AAT or CIMA qualification and experience in cost or financial control, ideally in a manufacturing setting. The role offers an annual salary of up to £38k and emphasizes operational exposure rather than siloed finance work, making it ideal for early to mid-career professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost, stock, or financial control is needed.
• Time spent in a manufacturing or operational environment is required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational variances across raw materials, labor, packaging, and overheads.
• Work with Operations to challenge performance and follow actions.
• Ensure systems, BOMs, and cost specs accurately reflect reality.
• Reconcile stock across multiple areas and release points.
• Support pricing and tenders with reliable data.
• Educate non-finance teams to improve reporting usefulness.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Detail-driven mindset

Confidence to question numbers

Education

AAT Level 4 or CIMA Part Qualified

Job description

A UK-based company in Pontefract is seeking a Cost Accountant to handle daily operational analysis, challenge performance with operations, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Candidates should have a Level 4 AAT or CIMA qualification and experience in cost or financial control, ideally in a manufacturing setting. The role offers an annual salary of up to £38k and emphasizes operational exposure rather than siloed finance work, making it ideal for early to mid-career professionals.