Cost/Management Accountant

Oliver Valves Ltd; Knutsford; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver Valves Ltd in Knutsford seeks a commercially sharp Cost/Management Accountant to join our Finance team. This role sits at the factory floor and in spreadsheets, protecting and maximising GM through strong financial control and operational insight.

You will act as the key link between production and finance, maintaining standard costing and providing analytical support to international operations. CIMA qualification is essential and experience with Syteline is preferred.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing cost accounting experience required.
• CIMA qualification is essential.
• Strong Excel and ERP/MRP skills (Syteline preferred).
• Ability to influence production and operations.
• Knowledge of standard costing and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Protect and maximise Gross Margin through strong financial control.
• Review projects to assess real GM vs budget.
• Manage inventory to optimise cash flow, including surplus and obsolete stock.
• Perform operational auditing of labour, overtime, and rework in ERP (Syteline).
• Maintain and roll up standard costs for accurate reporting.
• Lead cycle counts and resolve stock discrepancies.
• Provide analytical support to international operations.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing

Excel

Syteline ERP

Variance analysis

WIP

ERP/MRP

Education

CIMA

Tools

Syteline

Job description

Cost/Management Accountant

We are seeking a commercially sharp, manufacturing-focused Cost/Management Accountant to join our Finance team. This Cost Accountant role is ideal for someone who thrives on the factory floor as much as in a spreadsheet. As a Cost Accountant, your mission will be to protect and maximise Gross Margin (GM) through strong financial control and operational insight.

About Us

We are a family-owned global company that produces ultra critical valves for the world’s oil, gas and hydrogen industries, where exceptional quality and on time delivery is critical.

With operations spanning the UK, USA, Dubai, Malaysia and India, and a world-class Research & Development centre in Knutsford, we have ambitious plans to grow beyond our £100m turnover.

Our business model is to sub-contract our components, then assemble at our facilities in Knutsford and Chennai. Our culture is agile, entrepreneurial and decisive. There are no layers of bureaucracy, endless committees or slow-moving approval processes. We value common sense, accountability and action.

Key Responsibilities

As a hands‑on Cost/Management Accountant, you will act as the key link between production and finance:

• Margin Protection: Review projects to assess real GM vs budget
• Inventory Control: Manage surplus and obsolete stock to optimise cash flow
• Operational Auditing: Review labour, overtime, and rework accuracy in ERP (Syteline)
• Standard Costing: Maintain and roll up standard costs to ensure accurate reporting
• Stock Control: Lead cycle counts and resolve discrepancies
• Global Support: Provide analytical support to international operations

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant in manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of WIP, standard costing, and variance analysis
• Confident challenger mindset with the ability to influence operations
• Advanced Excel and ERP/MRP systems experience (Syteline preferred)
• CIMA qualified (essential)

Remuneration & Package

We offer a competitive salary depending on experience.

Location

Oliver Valves, Parkgate, Knutsford, WA16 8DX