Job Title: Cost Accountant Location: Livingston Salary: Competitive Profile We are lucky to be working with one of the worlds 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.