Cost Accountant

CREGG; Galway; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

CREGG Recruitment is assisting a Galway-based manufacturing company to recruit a Cost & Financial Accountant. The role reports to the Financial Controller and offers a hybrid working pattern, with onsite work for the first ~3 months and up to two days remote thereafter.

The successful candidate will handle cost accounting, monthly management accounts, budgeting and business partnering with operations and senior management, ensuring accurate financial data and robust analysis.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with manufacturing industry experience.
• Strong cost accounting and management accounting background.
• Experience with ERP systems and ERP data flow.

Responsibilities

• Own cost accounting & manufacturing finance, analyse variances with Operations.
• Lead month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations and management accounts pack.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Ops to drive cost reduction and accuracy of cost data.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards, support internal audits and financial planning.

Skills

Cost accounting

Management accounting

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Independent working

Education

Qualified Accountant ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

CREGG Recruitment is currently hiring a Cost & Financial Accountant on behalf of our client who are a leading manufacturing company based at their offices in Galway.

Reporting to: Financial Controller

Working Hours: Monday - Thursday: 08:00am – 16:25pm, Friday: 08:00am – 15:00pm

Flexibility can be given on earlier/later start times/finish times, if required after 3 months.

Hybrid role: Onsite full time for the first circa 3 months. Hybrid working for up to two days per week may be available, thereafter, if required.

Position Overview: Our client is seeking to appoint a Cost and Financial Accountant at a mid-to-senior level. This is a key role within the finance function, combining strong cost accounting expertise with responsibility for monthly management accounts and business partnering. The successful candidate will work closely with operations and senior management.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Track and analyse actual vs. standard cost variances, working closely with Operations to investigate and resolve issues.
• Support the preparation of the annual operations budget.
• Review and maintain inventory valuation, including provisions and monthly adjustments.
• Lead annual inventory counts and manage 3PL reconciliations.
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure the integrity of cycle counting processes.
• Act as Finance lead for Cost of Quality (CoQ), working with Quality, Engineering, and Operations.
• Drive improvements in the accuracy and utilisation of the ERP system.
• Perform ad hoc product cost analysis and margin reviews.

Financial Reporting & Month-End

• Own the month-end close process, including accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare the monthly Management Accounts pack, including a clear executive summary of performance vs budget.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data across the business.

Business Partnering & Commercial Insight

• Analyse gross margins by product, customer, and contract to support pricing and commercial decisions.
• Partner with Operations and Materials teams to explain financial performance and drive cost reduction initiatives.
• Support decision-making at senior management level through financial insight and analysis.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategy

• Lead the annual budgeting process.
• Provide monthly variance reports.
• Deliver rolling forecasts aligned to production capacity and business performance.
• Contribute to financial strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Systems, Process & Compliance

• Improve the flow of data between manufacturing operations and finance systems (ERP).
• Manage the fixed asset register (machinery/tooling)
• Act as a key contact for financial and external audits.
• Develop and enhance KPIs and dashboards, including metrics such as OEE, yield, and labour efficiency.

Other Responsibilities

• Involvement in Continuous Improvement programs (Lean) and other various company projects.
• Other various duties as requested by the Financial Controller/Head of Finance/Managing Director.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting and management accounting.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, meaningful insights for stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of ownership and ability to work independently.