Interim Cost & Inventory Accountant

Rutherford Cross is delighted to be exclusively partnered with our well-known FMCG client to appoint an Interim Cost & Inventory Accountant for a 6-9-month contract.

The Cost & Inventory Accountant will play a key role in the reporting of Cost of Goods Sold (“COGS”) and all internally and externally held Inventories. This role will focus on delivering clear, actionable financial insights to support decision-making while helping to shape and refine developing processes. As processes evolve, this role will be instrumental in driving improvements to cost and inventory reporting, ensuring alignment with the company’s financial and operational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

COGS and Inventory Reporting:

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of COGS and inventory positions, including detailed reconciliations and variance analysis
• Analyse, report and provide insight into the monthly COGS figure
• Analyse, report and provide insight on inventory balances, reconciliations, movements, valuations and provisions
• Support the overall preparation of the monthly P&L focussing on COGS and overheads (where applicable) including variance analysis and commentary
• Work closely with supply chain and procurement/logistics teams to support accurate costings and valuations
• Provide financial insights into supply chain and logistics costs to support decision-making

Process Documentation, Development and Improvements:

• Take the initiative to understand existing processes and systems from the ground up, building a thorough knowledge base
• Document your understanding of these processes as you develop them, creating a resource that supports knowledge sharing and continuity
• Identify opportunities to improve processes related to COGS and inventory reporting, contributing to greater efficiency and accuracy as practices and potentially systems develop, with a focus on automation and data integrity
• Assist in building a formalised approach to stock and cost management, supporting long-term operational and financial objectives

Financial Controls and Reconciliations:

• Reconcile key balance sheet accounts, including inventory, creditors control account and accruals/prepayments, ensuring timely resolution of reconciling items
• Maintain the integrity of financial records by adhering to established controls and processes

Cross Functional Collaboration and Support:

• Work closely with colleagues across Finance, FP&A, Procurement, NPD/Technical, Factory Operations whilst also engaging with external suppliers to ascertain information and align reporting outputs with business needs (e.g. support cost control, stock accuracy and decision-making)
• Support junior team members in their duties by providing guidance and sharing best practices

Other Duties:

• Work closely with the other Accountants in the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports as required
• Undertake other ad hoc tasks or projects aligned to the role

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.