Cost Accountant

Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Livingston
Salary: Competitive
 
Profile
We are lucky to be working with one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Nickel, Titanium and Steel alloy forgings for the aerospace, defence and energy sectors. A vacancy has arisen for a Cost Accountant to join their team based in Livingston. This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate who would like to continue their career within an exciting and progressive manufacturing facility.
 
Responsibilities

• To support Assistant Controller and the finance team in pursuing business objectives in terms of output, quality and cost.
• To maintain and improve productivity so that schedules and customer needs are met.
• To ensure that agreed customer delivery times are achieved and that customers receive a high standard of service at all times.
• To identify, develop and implement continuous improvement activities.
• To undertake any other duties specified by the Assistant Controller.
• Maintain and improve the Cost Accounting function related to our client to provide management with a timely and efficient service.
• Ensure the Company adheres to sound accounting principles and aim to review and determine potential problem areas.
• Maintain accurate costing information to assist in the pricing of products for the company.
• Have a firm understanding of inventory procedures, support and offer guidance on inventory processes and police internal controls.
• Produce and Understand Variable Cost information issued to Operations and Senior Management on a weekly basis.
• Balance Sheet reconciliations.
• Journal Vouchers
• Prepare and understand Material usage and Purchase price variances.
• Support other areas of Department when required.
• Have a flexible “Can do” attitude.

Key Area Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to quality procedures.
• Maintain, achieve & improve quality standards.
• Ensure new/modified parts are introduced successfully.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures and legislation.
• Ensure safe working practices are employed.
• Carry out health and safety audits.
• Take necessary actions to improve safety performance.
• Take actions to ensure any environmental issues are resolved.
• Agree team performance criteria and measures to meet business objectives.
• Assist the Senior Cost Accountant in assisting other departments in setting and achieving targets. Help to maintain good industrial relations and welfare.
• Ensure housekeeping standards are identified and met.
• Practice Company Housekeeping Procedures
• Carry out housekeeping audits.
• Collect data for performance measures.
• Create an environment of continuous improvement.
• Direct problem solving activities.
• Develop ideas, suggest and implement improvements in performance.
• Ensure compliance with holiday procedures.
• Complete the necessary documents e.g. holiday forms, absentee documents.
• Maintain production information systems (e.g. target v actual etc.) as directed by the Senior Cost Accountant.
• Demonstrate co-operation and openness with the team.
• Contribute to collective problem solving.
• Build a strong alliance with the teams.
• Is supportive and helpful to others.
• Maintains morale and motivation.
• Creates and actively encourage teamwork

Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrates co-operation and openness with others.
• Contributes to collective problem solving.
• Considerate and effective in the use of Company resources
• Shows awareness of broad Company issues and objectives.
• Supports and endorses all company policies.
• ownership of personal goals and objectives.
• Willing to help others to learn and to share knowledge and experience.
• Able to identify both internal and external customers and respond to their needs.
• Demonstrates personal commitment to quality; sets high work standards for self.
• Consistently achieves quality standards.
• Accepts and adapts to change.
• Able to present information on a one-to-one basis clearly and concisely.
• Organises own day to day activities.
• Works methodically to meet deadlines.
• Breaks down problems into simple lists of tasks or activities.
• Demonstrates a positive approach in their interaction with others.
• Applies common sense and clear thinking in own area on day to day problems, especially to reduce idle time and achieve objectives.

Knowledge and Experience

• Part qualified CIMA/ACCA/ Relevant degree/professional qualification in Accountancy.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience of working within an accountancy function within a manufacturing environment is advantageous.
• Good Communication skills
• Ability to make decisions and apply judgement using own initiative.
• Intermediate knowledge of Word and Excel
• Able to work to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of internal control systems and procedures.
• Experience of Sarbanes and Oxley is advantageous.