Job Description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

The Role

The Cost Accountant position is an individual contributor, supporting multiple manufacturing sites. The responsibilities are well-defined and require a strong understanding of accounting fundamentals and principles pertinent to areas of responsibility. The position is based at our Newport site (UK) and reports to the Specialty Fluids Operations Controller. Occasional travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Possesses and applies accounting principles and standard practices to the classification and recording of financial transactions (SOX ; EMN policies & procedures).
• Works with a moderate degree of supervision to perform the following responsibilities:
  • Performs monthly accounting responsibilities such as journal entries, product costing, review of plant fixed and variable costs, inventory adjustments, production postings and material ledger, variance analysis and reconciliations.
  • Provides timely, accurate & relevant reporting and analysis of plant costs.
  • Completes deliverables required in support of key processes for areas of responsibility and key customers, such as monthly corporate rolling forecast and annual cost structure planning, strategy quantification, physical inventory counts, fixed asset ledger review, internal and external audits.
• Be the trusted Business Advisor for the Site Leadership Team within areas of responsibility.
• Identifies areas for improvement or productivity gain and makes recommendations regarding methods of achievement.
• Works collaboratively with the wider finance business unit as well as with other business units.

Qualifications

• Accounting/Finance degree or related qualifications.
• 5+ years of financial accounting experience, typically.
• Cost accounting experience highly preferred.

Enabling Competencies

• Works to achieve expanded conceptual knowledge in own areas of responsibility and broadens capabilities.
• Works to acquire higher-level knowledge and building understanding of the company’s processes, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
• Takes initiative and solves problems in straightforward situations by being proactive and solution focused.
• Strong analytical mindset and good judgment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills. Explains complex information to others in straightforward situations.
• Proven knowledge of foundational accounting.
• Strong working knowledge of key systems/tools (SAP, Excel, PPT, PowerBi etc.).
• Ability to develop trust-based relationships.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.