Mandarin Speaking Cost Accountant

This is a leading player in the food industry who is looking for a sharp, detail-driven Mandarin Speaking Cost Accountant to join the dynamic team. This is not just another accounting role - it's a chance to truly influence profitability and efficiency at the heart of the business.

In this position, you'll own the end-to-end cost accounting process, from calculating product costs and preparing margin analysis to managing inventory accuracy and driving cost control initiatives. You'll work hand-in-hand with production, sales, and procurement teams, providing the critical insights that shape pricing, product strategy, and operational efficiency. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a strong grasp of costing methods and a passion for uncovering savings opportunities, this could be the perfect move for you.

TITLE: Mandarin Speaking Cost Accountant
Location: Erith
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Sector: Finance
Salary (phone number removed)
Language required: Fluent Mandarin and English

Key Responsibilities

1. Cost Accounting
   • Perform cost accounting for various food products, including preparation of product cost reports and gross margin analysis.
   • Record consumption of raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
   • Calculate product costs using methods such as batch costing, process costing, or ABC costing.
   • Prepare regular Product Cost Sheets to determine the cost of each SKU.
2. Inventory & Finished Goods Management
   • Support warehouse and production teams in inventory control and stock-taking to ensure accuracy.
   • Monitor raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods quantities and valuations.
   • Conduct month-end inventory counts and variance analysis.
3. Cost Allocation & Absorption
   • Track and allocate key cost elements including raw materials, labor, packaging, and overhead.
   • Distribute indirect manufacturing costs (utilities, depreciation, management expenses) across products.
   • Perform variance analysis between standard costs and actual costs.
4. Cost Analysis & Control
   • Provide detailed cost variance analysis, highlight abnormal fluctuations, and recommend corrective actions.
   • Assess material wastage, labor efficiency, and production losses.
   • Deliver insights to management on potential cost-saving opportunities.
5. Reporting & Data Support
   • Prepare cost reports, gross margin analysis, and production efficiency reports.
   • Provide cost-related data to support sales, procurement, and production decisions.
   • Advise management on discontinuation or repricing of low-margin products.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment; food industry experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with food production processes, materials management, and BOM structures.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective communicator, proactive, and capable of working independently as well as cross-functionally.