Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri).
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and Hybrid (subject to operational needs)
Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 per annum (subject to experience)
Be the finance partner that powers operational excellence.
If you thrive on understanding how things are made and how every cost drives performance, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.
We’re looking for a Cost Accountant with proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment — someone who understands the link between the shop floor and the balance sheet, and who can turn operational data into clear financial insight.
At NP Aerospace, we design and manufacture advanced armour systems used globally in defence and security. You’ll play a vital role in shaping how we manage costs, control inventory, and improve financial visibility across production.
What you’ll get in return
We offer a competitive salary and the chance to play a key role in a high-growth, globally recognised defence business. Benefits include:
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Discretionary Half-Year Bonus
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Flexible working hours (subject to operational needs)
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Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
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Two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists
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Pension – Employer 4% / Employee 5% (9% total)
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Life Assurance – 3x base salary
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BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan
What you’ll be doing
As Cost Accountant, you’ll be embedded in our manufacturing operation — analysing material, labour, and overhead costs to ensure our armour systems are accurately costed and competitively priced. You’ll work closely with Production and Supply Chain teams to validate Bill of Materials (BOMs), review standard versus actual costs, and explain variances that influence pricing and profitability.
You’ll lead on inventory control, standard cost updates, and product margin analysis, ensuring the numbers reflect the real picture on the factory floor. You’ll also support management reporting, reconciliations, and forecasting — linking operational data to financial performance in a fast-moving, project-driven environment.
In addition, you’ll play a key role in audit and compliance, including UK and Canadian sales tax reporting, and you’ll help evolve our financial processes to improve accuracy, transparency, and control.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who’s confident, analytical, and comfortable working cross-functionally. You should also bring:
- Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in manufacturing, production, or engineering finance environment
- Strong understanding of standard costing, BOM analysis, and inventory valuation
- Solid knowledge of inventory management and operational finance
- Experience improving financial reporting tools, processes and insights
- Excellent Excel skills – including pivot tables and basic macros
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain finance to non-finance stakeholders
Cover Letter Requirement
As part of your application, please include a cover letter (no longer than one page) outlining your suitability for this role. Your letter should cover:
- Your experience in manufacturing or production environments
- Your involvement in costing, stock valuation, and process improvement
- An example of how you’ve provided financial insight to support operational decisions
What do we do at NP Aerospace?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.
Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace
