Overview
At Fortitude Spirits Group, we believe every moment can be extraordinary, and the right spirit has the power to elevate any occasion. As a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of quality alcoholic spirits, we infuse innovation, expertise, and a commitment to excellence at every stage of the process.
Our business is designed to meet the diverse needs of our partners, offering everything from bespoke product development to reliable distribution solutions, ensuring each spirit not only meets but exceeds consumer expectations.
DEPARTMENT Finance
JOB TITLE Cost Accountant
RESPONSIBLE TO Operations Finance Business Partner
Location This is a site based role at our Middlesbrough production site.
General Description
Working as a key member of the Fortitude Spirits Group Finance Team reporting to the Operations Finance Business Partner. The Cost Accountant is responsible for monitoring, analysing, and controlling manufacturing costs in the production of bottled and canned drinks. The role supports management with accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency. The role will also provide cost centre reporting for all business cost centres.
The job holder will also be required from time to time to undertake other financial tasks commensurate with their skills and experience, such as forecasting, budgeting, & P&L analysis.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
Product Costing
* Prepare and maintain standard product costs for bottled and canned drinks (raw materials, packaging, labour, and overheads).
* Calculate cost per bottle / SKU across product lines.
* Deliver costings for customer led tender processes.
* Review and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routing costs.
* Analyse cost changes due to raw materials, packaging, or production processes.
Manufacturing Cost Control
* Track and analyse direct materials (flavourings, sugar, concentrates, etc.).
* Review labour costs and production efficiency.
Variance Analysis
* Investigate variances such as:
* Material usage variance
* Labour efficiency variance
* Production yield variance
* Waste and spoilage
* Provide explanations and recommendations to management.
Inventory Accounting
* Monitor raw materials, packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory.
* Perform inventory valuation and cost adjustments.
* Support monthly stock counts and cycle counts.
* Analyse slow-moving or obsolete stock.
Production Reporting
* Prepare daily/weekly production cost reports.
* Track waste, scrap, and yield rates in bottling and canning operations.
* Work with production teams to improve cost efficiency.
* Produce monthly cost centre reports and send to all cost centre owners.
* Provide support in invoice analysis and understanding of accruals/prepayments.
* Support the Marketing and Brand teams in the accurate reporting of costs and month end analysis.
Budgeting & Forecasting
* Support preparation of manufacturing budgets.
* Forecast raw material and packaging cost impacts.
* Monitor actual costs vs budget.
Commercial Business Finance Partner Support
* Provides weekly forecasting support to the Commercial Business Partner for weekly KPIs.
* Provides support to the profitability process, including the updating of standard costs.
Process Improvement
* Identify opportunities to reduce production costs.
* Support cost optimisation initiatives such as:
* Packaging changes
* Supplier cost negotiations
Compliance & Financial Reporting
* Ensure accurate cost accounting entries in ERP/accounting system.
* Support month-end close and financial reporting.
* Maintain compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Accuracy of product costing
* Manufacturing cost variance
* Inventory accuracy
* Waste and yield improvements
* Timeliness of cost reports
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Cost Accounting
* Professional qualification such as Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or equivalent preferred.
Experience
* 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing cost accounting
* Experience in FMCG or beverage manufacturing preferred
* Experience with ERP systems and inventory management
Key Skills
* Strong cost analysis and financial modelling
* Knowledge of standard costing and variance analysis
* Understanding of manufacturing processes
* Advanced Excel / ERP skills
* Strong communication with production teams
* Support month-end close and financial reporting.
* Maintain compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
Location
* This is a site based role at our Middlesbrough production site.
This is not an exhaustive list but merely an overview
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