Description:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join our growing Finance team at Octopus Energy Services. This role will report to the Finance Business Partner - Supply Chain and play a crucial role in the day-to-day financial operations of the company.
This role will entail preparation of financial reports, month-end processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards. You will be working closely with the business to assist with day-to-day finance management and identifying any commercial risks or opportunities to improve the business’ position. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fundamental accounting and be keen to develop their skills in a fast-paced environment.
What you'll do:
- Daily transaction posting including accurately processing all inventory-related transactions, including purchases, transfers to engineers, returns, and write-offs, ensuring they are correctly reflected in the general ledger
- Preparing monthly divisional and consolidated management accounts, including assisting in the calculation and review of the monthly Cost of Goods Sold, ensuring accurate cost allocations for installed items
- Reconcile physical stock counts with perpetual inventory records (both quantity and value) and investigate any variances or discrepancies promptly
- Support the team in periodic reviews of inventory valuation, including obsolescence and net realisable value assessments
- Perform balance sheet reconciliations to ensure integrity of the general ledger and financial records, with a primary focus on inventory
- Reviewing finance processes to ensure that continuous improvements are made to improve inventory tracking and control
- Liaising with finance representatives to finalise results, reporting on variances as required and providing clear documentation and corrective journal entries where necessary
- Assist with the preparation of year-end reconciliations and schedules, and working closely with our auditors throughout the year end audit
- Provide forecasting and KPI support: compiling data for the monthly re-forecasting, annual budgeting process, KPI tracking for the Supply Chain division
What you'll need:
- A relevant degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- Part-qualified or actively studying towards a professional accounting qualification (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or ICAS)
- 1–2 years experience in a cost accounting or similar role
- Experience in a business with a physical inventory component preferable (e.g., retail, manufacturing, or services with hardware installation)
- Strong IT skills including advanced excel skills such as complex formulas and data analysis
- Must be able to effectively and confidently communicate and present to senior management, both within finance and operational teams
- Proactive and self-motivated with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Experience with financial accounting software (NetSuite) would be preferable