Cost Accountant

Overview

In this London-based role, you will support month-end close, cost visibility, and financial controls within a complex, international business. You’ll combine hands-on accounting with analysis to explain cost movements and improve reporting. You’ll collaborate across finance and operations to resolve issues and drive process improvements, including automation of routine tasks. This position offers ownership of cost accounting in a regulated, multinational context and exposure to intercompany and transfer pricing considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close activities for operating expenses with journals, accruals and prepayments
• Review transactions and expense classifications to ensure correct period recognition
• Analyze expenditure by area, investigate variances and provide explanations
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and resolve outstanding items
• Collaborate with finance and operations to resolve queries and improve data accuracy
• Support cost allocations across group companies, including intercompany recharges and transfer pricing
• Contribute to stronger financial controls and improved cost reporting processes
• Provide supporting information for internal and external audits
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting activities and increase automation

Key requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience in financial/accounting roles with exposure to operating costs and month-end
• Strong understanding of accruals, prepayments, expense recognition and reconciliations
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and explain variances
• Experience in financial services or regulated environment desirable
• Exposure to intercompany transactions, shared cost allocations or transfer pricing beneficial
• Advanced Excel skills for large datasets
• Excellent organisational, attention to detail and deadline management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with cross-functional collaboration
• Continuous improvement mindset toward processes, controls, and automation

• analytical mindset
• collaboration
• attention to detail
• communication
• process improvement
• Advanced Excel

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