NEWAutumn 2026 batches now enrolling. Limited places each month.
Manufacturers buy materials, make products and need to know what each item really costs. Junior finance staff support the ledgers and data behind those numbers.
Entry-level roles
Typical full-time UK figures
A change in material prices, wastage or staff time can affect profit quickly. Accurate purchase and stock records give managers the information they need.
Costing roles are usually more senior, but accounts assistants play an important part by keeping the underlying data reliable.
Typical full-time UK figures, rounded. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Sources: National Careers Service, AAT, PayScale and Prospects, checked November 2026.
£27k
Also called Manufacturing Accounts Assistant
Supports ledgers, stock records and month-end.
£26k
Also called Accounts Payable Clerk
Matches invoices to orders and deliveries.
£27k
Also called Accounts Receivable Clerk
Manages customer accounts and overdue payments.
£27k
Also called Finance Administrator
Helps with reports, reconciliations and month-end tasks.
Common requirements in UK manufacturing adverts. They vary by employer.
Systems differ, but the accounting tasks carry across.
Sage 50
ExcelERP systems (employer specific)A short introduction, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change, so check the sources below.
Stock differences can affect reported profit, so finance teams often work closely with warehouse and production staff.
Many manufacturers set expected costs for materials, labour and overheads, then compare actual results against them.
A variance is the difference between expected and actual cost. Senior staff usually explain variances, using data from the wider finance team.
We prepare you for the ledger, reconciliation and Excel side of manufacturing finance. Our management accounting course introduces costing and variance analysis for those with the right background. ERP systems such as SAP are employer specific and usually learned in the role.
Later on: Cost accountant and management accountant roles usually need a part-qualified or qualified accountant with relevant experience.
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Develop practical skills in bookkeeping, VAT, financial transactions and record management, giving you the knowledge and confidence to support day-to-day accounting and finance operations.
Xero
QuickBooksSage 50
Accounting100 hrsBeginner
Build practical accounts skills covering financial records, invoices, payments, reconciliations and essential accounting processes for the workplace.
XeroSage 50QuickBooks
Finance150 hrsAdvanced
Prepare management accounts, budgets, forecasts and variance analysis that business owners actually use to make decisions.
XeroAdvanced Excel
Power BIWe offer group bookings and can tailor training to your team.
Can't find your answer? Our consultants usually reply on WhatsApp within an hour, Monday to Saturday.
They usually handle invoices, supplier payments, customer accounts, reconciliations and support for stock and month-end reporting.
That's unlikely. Cost accountant adverts usually ask for part-qualified or qualified status and manufacturing experience. An entry-level accounts role is a better first step.
Some adverts prefer SAP or another ERP system, but it depends on the employer. Core ledger and Excel skills are the starting point.
Checked November 2026. Job advert requirements are based on a sample of UK adverts and vary by employer.
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