Cost Controller - manufacturing sector

Just Recruitment Group; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Just Recruitment Group is recruiting a Cost Controller for a leading FMCG manufacturer based in Halstead, Essex. Hybrid working available (3 days in the office, 2 days at home) to support close collaboration with Finance and Operations.

The role focuses on month-end reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cost visibility across the business, and profitability analysis to drive continuous improvement. You will work with material and overhead cost data and support standard costing activities.

Qualifications

• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in controlling, manufacturing finance, cost accounting or similar finance environment.
• SAP knowledge, advanced Excel, and Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and effective communication across stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end reporting processes and financial close.
• Assist budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Develop and maintain cost visibility across the business (material, labor, overhead).
• Conduct profitability analysis by product, brand and SKU.
• Contribute to standard costing activities and industrial cost management.

Skills

SAP

Excel

Microsoft Office

Analytical

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Finance or Accounting or Business or Economics

Job description

The Just Recruitment Group Ltd is currently recruiting for a Cost Controller for a leading manufacture of FMCG goods, based in Halstead, Essex.

Hybrid working available - 3 days office and 2 days work from home.

Our client is looking for an analytical and detail-oriented Cost Controller to join their manufacturing finance team. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the plant's financial and operational performance by delivering accurate reporting, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, and helping drive cost visibility across the business.

Role will involve working closely with Finance and Operations teams, you will contribute to month-end reporting processes, industrial cost management, standard costing activities, and profitability analysis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working with data, collaborating across functions, and influencing business decisions within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will also support the management and maintenance of material standard costs, ensuring costing data remains accurate and reflects operational realities. Through detailed analysis of manufacturing and overhead costs, you will help assess product, brand, and SKU profitability, providing recommendations that support business performance and continuous improvement.

Essential requirements

• A degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related discipline and bring previous experience within a controlling, manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or similar finance environment.
• SAP knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and confident using the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with large and complex data sets. You possess excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders across Finance and Operations