Chief Cost Optimization Specialist

Job DescriptionOur organization is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of critical solutions for apparel, footwear, and performance materials. These products provide safety and protection for people, data, and the environment.We work with leading companies worldwide to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that add value to their products.With a rich heritage spanning over 250 years, we have operations in 50 countries with a diverse workforce serving our customers globally.Through acquisitions, we have expanded our capabilities to cater to changing market needs and customer trends.Our head office is based in the UK, where we connect talent, textiles, and technology to create a better and more sustainable world.Transition of BU level costing activities to finance CoEResponsible for product costing activities performed within the ERP system (SAP) for markets with centralized costing activitiesEstablish process for analysis of variances (Price & Factory) and provide business insights including actionable items to reduce variances compared to established standardsProvide support and guidance for inventory valuation, covering activities such as calculation of capitalized variances and stock provisionsLiaise with technology teams to resolve issues in processes or reportsPerform ad hoc analysis as required, including deep dives to identify issuesValidate dashboards and reports relating to inventory, procurement, and factory performanceSupport any group project requiring centralized costing supportPrincipal Accountabilities and Key ActivitiesSingle point contact for SAP product costing:Independently handle entire product costing activities on SAPRegular review of materials pending cost release and liaison with markets for timely update of standard costsEnd-to-end support for release of standard costs following established group methodology for standard cost calculationConduct reviews to ensure accuracy of standard costsReview and validate master data components impacting product costing, such as Bill of Materials, Routings, Costing Lot Size, and Procurement KeysOperational AnalysisAnalyze procurement transactions and identify causes for price variance:Review exceptions and abnormal variances and liaise with markets for corrective actionFactory variance analysis and consolidationDevelop reports providing insights into price and factory variancesMonth Close ActivitiesReview of gross stocks and reports providing value of gross stock based on group accounting policy:Calculate variance according to group policiesAdhere to standard methodology for calculation of provisions and bring improvements in process as requiredBusiness SupportDeep dives into transactions and processes to identify issues and provide solutions:Validation of dashboards and reportsProvide guidance to markets on standard processes and methodologies in areas related to costing and inventory valuationLiaise with technology teams to resolve issues with reports and processes.RequirementsEssential Qualifications and Experience:Certified/Qualified Accountant: An accountant certified by a professional accounting body (Chartered accountant or Cost and Management Accountant)University DegreeA minimum of eight years of post-qualification work experience with a manufacturing organizationMinimum of six years hands-on experience with SAP product costing and end-to-end process knowledgeKnowledge on SAP MM and PP modules. Must have experience on how non-financial information impacts costing.Must have thorough understanding of SAP CO module and process flow for product costing and fixing errors in costing and transaction processing.Experience with analysis of variancesAbility to communicate effectively with stakeholders (oral and written)Ability to work independently or within a team environment and with multiple priorities.Proficiency with spreadsheet applications (Excel) and reporting and analysis tools (BW, BCS, Lumira etc.)Desirable Qualities:Self-motivatedCollaboration in a remote work environmentAnalytical and logical thinking skillsFocus on quality without sacrifice of timeSelf-learning abilityFlexibility with time and scope of work],