Cost Accountant

About Us

Strain Measurement Devices Ltd is a dynamic and ambitious manufacturer of precision measurement instruments. We’re committed to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in everything we do. We are now looking for a dedicated Cost Accountant to join our team — someone who will play a central role in shaping how we track, manage, and optimise costs across the business.

The Role

As our Cost Accountant, your main responsibility will be to develop and maintain a standard cost system that reflects our unique production processes and supports informed decision-making. On a day-to-day basis, you will:

* Establish, update, and manage standard costs for materials, labour, and overheads based on actual production activities.

* Compare actual costs vs standard costs, identify variances, and provide clear variance analysis and reporting.

* Collaborate with procurement, production, and operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and suggest efficiencies.

* Prepare regular cost reports to support management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

* Provide month-end close support to the Financial Controller, including journal entries, reconciliations and management-accounting reports.

* Assist with various accounting tasks in a small, busy accounts office — from purchase/sales ledger to bank reconciliations and general accounting support.

* Maintain audit schedules and support both internal and external audit requirements related to cost accounting.

What We’re Looking For

* The role will be suited to a recently Qualified or a Finalist. We will also consider a Part Qualified or QBE with costing experience

* Prior experience in cost or management accounting, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment.

* Strong analytical skills, high attention to detail, and ability to work with large data sets (e.g. using Excel/spreadsheets and accounting software).

* Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills — able to work both independently and collaboratively.

* An interest in continuous improvement, cost optimisation and supporting strategic decision-making through reliable financial data and insight.

We offer

 * £50k salary

* Employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum — increasing with length of service

* 25 days’ paid holiday + all statutory (bank and public) holidays

* Study support is possible for the right cundidate