Cost Accountant

Job Description:

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to lead the implementation and maintenance of standard costing practices at our manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in developing, analyzing, and managing standard cost systems in a production environment, ensuring accurate product costing, supporting operational efficiency, and contributing to strategic financial decisions.

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 Technical Ceramics business of Morgan Advanced Materials engineers high performance functional and structural ceramic materials, components and sub-assemblies to address customer-specific technical challenges.

Key Figures: Revenue £1,100.7m (2024), ~8,000 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.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead across all manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and procurement to analyze BOMs, routings, labor, and overhead drivers to establish accurate cost standards.
• Conduct time studies in collaboration with production and engineering teams to establish accurate labor standards and production rates.
• Establish standard costs using the gross margin method, especially for new or customized products, by working backward from target pricing and desired margin levels.
• Develop a process to monitor and report on cost variances (material, labor, and overhead), including root cause analysis and follow-up with relevant departments.
• Develop a process for the annual standard cost roll up, including updates for new products, process changes, and inflationary factors.
• Provide cost modeling and scenario analysis to support pricing, capital investments, and strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and SOX requirements (if applicable).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, with proven experience setting up standard costs.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, BOMs, routings, and cost allocation methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft D365, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ERP implementations or cost reengineering projects.