FirstAchieve are currently seeking a skilled Overheads & Operational Accountant to join our global engineering parnter.
The Overheads & Operational Accountant role plays a key part in supporting the effective day to day running of the finance function. It is a hands on role with responsibility for overhead accounting, month end support, operational finance processes, and maintaining strong financial controls.
What you will do:
Overheads & Cost Centre Accounting
* Own monthly overhead cost centre accounting
* Prepare and post monthly overhead journals (accruals, prepayments, reallocations).
* Ensure overhead costs are accurately coded, reviewed, and controlled.
* Produce monthly overhead variance analysis versus budget and forecast.
* Support budget holders with cost understanding and challenge where appropriate.
Month End Close & Balance Sheet Control
* Support the month end close process, ensuring overhead areas are closed accurately and on time.
* Prepare balance sheet reconciliations for overhead related accounts (e.g. accruals, prepayments, expenses).
* Ensure reconciliations are complete, well evidenced, and review ready for Financial Controller sign off.
* Maintain strong audit trails in line with finance governance requirements.
Operational Finance & Day to Day Support
* Act as first line finance support for operational and functional teams on overhead and cost queries.
* Support purchase to pay processes, ensuring spend is recorded in line with policy and approvals.
* Monitor open purchase orders and cost commitments relating to overhead spend.
* Promote disciplined, system based finance processes and controls.
Compliance, Logistics & Administrative Finance Support
* Provide cover and support for basic logistics and customs compliance administration, including:
o Maintaining customs documentation and supporting audit files.
o Supporting periodic submissions (e.g. bills of discharge) under Financial Controller direction.
* Support routine finance compliance activities (expense policy, supporting schedules, controls).
* Act as a dependable cover point across operational finance activities during absence.
Audit & Year End Support
* Support preparation of audit schedules and working papers relating to overhead and operational areas.
* Respond to audit queries efficiently and in a structured manner.
* Ensure overhead and operational finance areas are audit ready throughout the year.
Continuous Improvement
* Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and control within overhead and operational finance processes.
* Support system and process improvements within Epicor and related finance tools.
* Work collaboratively across the finance team to ensure clear ownership and smooth hand offs.
What you will need:
Essential:
* Part qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA) AAT Technician or qualified by experience.
* Experience in overhead accounting, management accounting, or operational finance roles.
* Strong attention to detail and a control focused mindset.
* Reliable delivery against recurring deadlines.
Desirable:
* Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
* Exposure to logistics, customs, or operational compliance activity.
* Experience supporting audits or year end processes.
All candidates must be able to prove that they have the right to work in the UK.
Why work for us?
* Competitive compensation and benefits packages
* Flexible working scheme
* Excellent training and development opportunities
* Generous annual leave and option to purchase additional holidays
* Contributory pension plan with associated life assurance
* Hybrid working policy for select roles
