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.