Hybrid Cost Accountant — Strategic Reporting & Controls

Royal London; Alderley Edge; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal London is seeking a Cost Accountant to join the Group Finance team in Alderley Park on a permanent full-time basis. The role covers financial integrity of BAU and change costs, month-end reporting, and driving improvements in group-wide cost processes in a hybrid work setting.

You will act as a cost accounting expert, prepare reconciliations, support statutory accounts and audits, and collaborate with finance and non-finance colleagues to embed strong controls and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Newly qualified accountant with solid accounting principles.
• Experience in cost accounting, management accounting or financial reporting.
• Experience supporting statutory accounts and external audits.
• Good understanding of financial controls and their practical application.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Flexible, self-motivated and proactive, with drive to improve.
• Confident communicator with strong relationship-management skills.
• Well organised with ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage the financial integrity of BAU and change costs across appointed areas, working closely with Cost Accounting and Business Finance teams to deliver accurate accounting, fit-for-purpose month-end reporting, and continuous improvement in group-wide processes.
• Act as a subject matter expert in cost accounting, proactively engaging with stakeholders to improve reporting quality and provide clear guidance on cost processes.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and provide clear supporting analysis for balance sheet and profit and loss movements, ensuring reported results are complete, accurate, and supported by appropriate evidence.
• Contribute to period-end financial accounting reviews and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements, maintaining robust financial controls and governance processes.
• Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts and audit deliverables, responding to internal and external auditor requests with clear and timely supporting information.
• Build strong relationships across Group Finance, the Group Programme Office, and supported business areas, directing team resources to deliver improvements, document outcomes, realise benefits, and complete post-implementation reviews.
• Ensure cost-related business risks are understood, controlled, and mitigated, supporting senior leaders to embed effective risk management practices.

Skills

Cost accounting

Management accounting

Financial reporting

Financial controls

Relationship management

Organization

Deadline management

Education

Newly qualified accountant

Tools

Excel

Job description

Royal London is seeking a Cost Accountant to join the Group Finance team in Alderley Park on a permanent full-time basis. The role covers financial integrity of BAU and change costs, month-end reporting, and driving improvements in group-wide cost processes in a hybrid work setting.

You will act as a cost accounting expert, prepare reconciliations, support statutory accounts and audits, and collaborate with finance and non-finance colleagues to embed strong controls and timely reporting.