Junior Cost & Inventory Accountant EMEA

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA.

Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

As we continue strengthening our finance capabilities across the region, we are expanding our EMEA team with a Cost & Inventory Accountant. In this role, you will support the Regional Cost & Inventory Accounting Manager and work closely with regional and global teams to execute key processes such as Standard Costing, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting, and variance analysis.

Success in this role requires enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with key finance and business stakeholders. You will work with cost & inventory accounting professionals, accounting teams, controllers, supply chain and commercial teams to understand and support the business, perform core Cost & Inventory Accounting activities, and contribute to future-state process improvements.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals to grow their skills in a dynamic, global manufacturing environment.

• Hybrid working arrangement for better work-life balance (3-4 days in the office, 1-2 days from home) — office in Carrer Ripollès, 5, 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Spain
• Opportunities to see your efforts contribute toward the success of the business.
• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities.
• Health insurance, pension plan, and region-specific benefits.
• Two paid volunteering days to support causes important to you.
• Real career development opportunities in Finance, Supply Chain, or other areas within our global organization.
• QH University: comprehensive learning tools and development programs.
• DEI and recognition programs such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, PRIDE CRGs, and our Global Giving & Impact Awards.

• Support daily operations of Cost & Inventory Accounting, including standard cost updates, cost reporting, and inventory valuation.
• Assist with monthly variance analysis (e.g., purchase price and manufacturing variances).
• Help prepare journal entries and support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Ensure adherence to global Cost & Inventory Accounting policies and procedures.
• Work with local and regional teams to gather raw material prices, landed cost data, and production master data needed for costing.
• Contribute to reconciliations, cost accuracy checks, and reporting of COGS and inventory accounts.
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external audits.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts, including automation and process enhancement initiatives.
• Act as a point of contact for cost & inventory-related questions, building strong relationships with colleagues across finance and operations.
• Be part of process transformation activities as we enhance our global standards and tools.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in finance, accounting, or analytics; experience in manufacturing or cost accounting is a plus, not a requirement.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• A proactive mindset with eagerness to learn, ask questions, and develop new skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-moving environment.
• Intermediate Excel skills.
• Interest in technology, ERP systems, BI tools, reporting, and AI tools.
• Understanding of ERP systems. Experience with JD Edwards (JDE) is a plus.
• Language:
  High level of English is essential; additional languages are highly valued.

We are a global leader in industrial process and mechanical engineering…