Cost Accountant

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

The Thermal Ceramics division designs, manufactures and installs a broad range of thermal insulation products that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions in a variety of high temperature processing applications. Our product offering is extensive and covers application needs from Industrial to Commercial markets.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,114.7m (2023), ~8,500 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

Job Purpose

Thermal Ceramics, a global manufacturer of thermal insulation products serving multiple markets is searching for an energetic and pro-active professional to fill our open Cost Accounting role.  This is a highly visible, data analytical role, and the successful candidate will work with many different leaders throughout the business.  The Cost Accountant is responsible for developing standard costs, analyzing standard vs actual variances, monitoring cost changes, tracking and evaluating margins (by item, products, customers, markets, etc.), understanding all products including new product development, accuracy of production reporting and inventory analysis.  Additionally, the position will contribute to financial month end close, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and projection, project viability and data analytics (collecting, monitoring and studying data).

Future opportunities both locally or globally will be available for motivated individuals.

Summary

Analyze key financial and business metrics by collecting, monitoring, and studying data.  Business partnering with manufacturing, supply chain and commercial teams in order to make well-informed business decisions.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• All activities related to product cost:  development of standard material, labor, scrap, yield, overhead rates; variance analysis; annual standard cost rolls, actual cost/UM, etc.
• Inventory Analysis including evaluation of MoM and YoY changes; explanation of deviations from budget, calculation of inventory turns and DIO, development and analysis of excess and obsolete inventories.
• Related financial analysis including (but not limited to) margin analysis, bid/quote profitability, financial projections, financial support for project and capex, etc.
• Participation in Month End Close, Budget, Forecast etc.
• Provide insightful financial analysis of consolidated results, including budgets, forecasts and month-end results
• Support the business with any ad hoc analysis

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.  Other duties may be assigned.

Education and Experience - Minimum level of education and experience required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or Product Engineering
• Prefer 3-5+ years of Cost and/or Product/Technical Engineering
• Good knowledge of standard cost terminology:  BOM’s, Routers, Labor & Overhead Rates, Scrap, Variance Analysis, Manufacturing Work Orders, etc.
• Ability to work with ERP Systems, particularly Microsoft D365 or JDE 9.1 (or an equivalent ERP system); experience with new ERP System implementation a plus
• Strong data and analytical skills
• Strong Excel Financial and Cost Modeling skills.
• Experience with Power BI Dashboards.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to work sitting, for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day. Must be able to use a computer for extended periods of time, with appropriate breaks, up to 8 hours per day. Requires mental alertness and attention to detail.

Competency framework - Skills, attitudes & behaviours necessary to be competent in the role.

Strategic capability: Makes the connections to see the underlying trends – “the big picture” is essential.

Problem analysis: quickly discerns key facts and differentiates between relevant and irrelevant information.

Detail oriented:  Ability to work with and analyze large data sets and then draw insight conclusions.

Judgement: demonstrates a sound process for weighing options and making decisions. Prepared to challenge the status quo and take calculated risks.

Creative thinking: generates unique and appropriate solutions, when required.

Drive and resilience: demonstrate motivation. Is flexible and able to adapt styles to deliver results. Is comfortable with ambiguity.

Execution: can demonstrate a proven ability to deliver on programs and projects. Is a self-starter with a can-do attitude.

Empathy: is personable, authentic and emotionally aware.

Influencing: Is an excellent communicator. Has strong interpersonal skills and builds lasting relationships. Can influence and persuade others through a range of techniques.

Shares our values: is ambitious, innovative and demonstrates integrity. 

Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer Ind-1