Management Accounts Assistant, Naas, Co. Kildare

My client is seeking to appoint an experienced Management Accounts Assistant on a permanent basis.

Candidates will need to have a minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role.

Experience with a manufacturing or a production led environment would be a distinct advantage

A good working knowledge of Excel is required for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Analysis

• Collaborate with operations teams to gather data and interpret financial impact.
• Collect and consolidate data from production systems, ERP platforms, and operational logs.
• Work closely with production supervisors to validate data integrity
• Assist in preparing weekly reports on productivity, ensure timely and accurate reporting of production volumes, yields and waste
• Analyse production output vs cost to identify trends, variances, and inefficiencies
• Monitor performance metrics and suggest areas for cost savings and process improvements

Direct Costs Analysis

• Track and analyse key direct costs including but not limited to raw materials, storage, freight and handling costs and utilities
• Perform variance analysis against budgets and forecasts
• Investigate anomalies and liaise with operational teams for clarification
• Ensure proper coding of direct costs in the ledger and alignment with cost centre reporting
• Support in the development of cost models and pricing strategies

Nominal Ledger Reconciliations

• Perform monthly reconciliations of direct cost nominal ledger accounts (e.g., accruals, prepayments, stock)
• Ensure ledger accuracy and completeness in line with month-end reporting deadlines
• Assist in journal preparation and posting as required
• Support in audit preparation and respond to auditor queries related to nominal accounts

Reporting and Insights

• Prepare clear and concise reports, dashboards, and presentations summarising cost trends, risk areas, and opportunities for savings
• Develop tools or models (e.g., Excel or Power BI) to improve the visibility and understanding of direct cost data
• Monitor and evaluate sales by customer, product, region, and technology
• Identify trends, growth opportunities, and underperforming areas
• Prepare weekly and ad hoc sales reports for management and commercial teams

Assist in Budgeting and Forecasting

• Provide detailed analysis of historical and projected direct costs to support financial planning cycles
• Contribute data to support cost-saving initiatives and pricing strategies

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist in month-end and year-end financial close processes
• Support preparation of management accounts and board packs
• Provide backup for other finance team roles as needed
• Participate in finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives

Key Skills:

• Experience in a manufacturing or production-led environment preferred
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (knowledge of Insight a distinct advantage)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an analytical mind-set for the purpose of solving problems using well proven strategic approaches to identifying resolution
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Strong communication skills - able to explain financial concepts to non-finance colleagues
• Team player with a flexible, "can-do" attitude
• Willingness to learn and take on new challenges

For more information on this role, please contact Damian Ryan