Cost Accountant

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + annual bonus

Flexible remote work arrangements

Health insurance and retirement plan

Generous vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join our manufacturing division. You will develop and maintain cost systems, analyze production costs, and provide data to support operational decisions.

The ideal candidate has a 4-year cost accounting background in manufacturing, strong ERP/Excel skills, and a track record of driving cost improvements and accurate budgeting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; professional certification (CIMA, CMA) desirable.
• Minimum 4 years cost accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel.
• Strong cost management knowledge: standard costing and activity-based costing.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, reporting, and stakeholder communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting systems and methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing costs to identify trends and variances.
• Prepare cost reports, profitability analyses, and inventory valuations.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and engineering to drive cost reductions.
• Assist in annual budgets and forecasts for production costs.
• Perform variance analysis and provide corrective action recommendations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Reporting

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CIMA / CMA desirable

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join their manufacturing division in Durban . This role is essential for analyzing production costs, improving efficiency, and ensuring profitability. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining cost accounting systems, analyzing variances, and providing critical data to support operational and strategic decisions. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, possesses strong attention to detail, and thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment, contributing to optimizing processes along the vibrant KwaZulu-Natal coast.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust cost accounting systems and methodologies.


• Analyze manufacturing costs, including direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, to identify trends and variances.


• Prepare detailed cost reports, profitability analyses, and inventory valuation reports.


• Collaborate with production, procurement, and engineering teams to gather data and drive cost reduction initiatives.


• Assist in the development of annual budgets and periodic forecasts for production costs.


• Perform variance analysis (material, labor, and overhead) and provide explanations and recommendations for corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; professional certification (CIMA , CMA) is highly desirable.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in cost accounting , preferably within a manufacturing setting.


• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel capabilities.


• Strong understanding of cost management principles, standard costing, and activity-based costing.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.


• Ability to communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses based on performance.


• Flexible remote work arrangements allowing for a healthy work-life balance.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.


• Generous paid vacation and sick leave policy.


• Opportunities for professional development, including training and certifications.