Cost Accountant

Recruiters Of Distinction; Durban; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking a qualified Cost Accountant to oversee procurement, validate purchasing processes, and ensure adherence to budgetary controls within a manufacturing environment. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience in a similar setup. Proficiency in ERP systems and Excel is crucial. Key competencies include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication across teams. The position is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and supplier management.
• ERP / MRP system experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Validate all purchasing and cost-control processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Review and approve purchase orders ensuring compliance with budget.
• Track landed costs and confirm accuracy of documentation for procurement.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

SYSPRO

Sage

Excel

Job description

The Cost Accountant is responsible for validating and optimising all purchasing and cost-control processes within the manufacturing environment.

This role bridges Finance, Procurement, and Operations to ensure accuracy in material costing, supplier compliance, and adherence to budget targets.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Oversight & Validation

Review and approve all purchase orders and buy lists, ensuring compliance with internal controls and budget thresholds.

Validate the following before approval :

• Supplier selection – supplier must be vetted, approved, and compliant with company and regulatory requirements.
• Pricing accuracy – verify ZAR or foreign-currency pricing against contracts, supplier quotes, and historical benchmarks.
• Quantity alignment – confirm ordered quantities match production demand and approved BOMs.
• Manufacturing part number correctness – ensure correct MPNs are used to avoid mismatches and rework.
• Delivery dates – confirm timelines align with production and customer schedules.
• Buyers escape to Cost Accountant to address any issues with suppliers.
• Negotiate and streamline raw material purchases; analyse purchasing trends to reduce costs and drive cost‑reduction initiatives.

Costing & Financial Control

Review cost summaries, quotations, and landed cost calculations to ensure total costs remain within approved targets.

Verify that all quotations include full cost components (duties, freight, insurance, etc.) and perform comparative assessments across at least three suppliers for pricing and lead time.

Act as the link between Finance and Procurement, ensuring :

• All purchases align with budget and approval thresholds.
• Order integrity is maintained through proper documentation and authorization.
• Tracks landed cost (including freight, duty, wastage) and ensures correct absorption in the BOM.

Reviews month-end landed cost and WIP variances.

Analysis of cost of sales for AW and PL by product and customer as part of month‐end reporting.

Reviews purchase price variance, exchange rate impacts, and stock valuation adjustments.

Monitors slow‑moving or obsolete stock, ensuring accurate valuation and provision.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

Support procurement and management in cost forecasting and margin analysis.

Provide detailed cost breakdowns to management (impact of supplier price changes or new sourcing strategies).

Generate monthly procurement and spend reports, highlighting savings, exceptions, and supplier performance.

Present actionable insights to Finance, Operations, and Leadership on cost trends, risk exposure, and budget adherence.

Ensure adherence to accounting standards and internal controls on GRN, invoice matching, and stock movements.

Ensure all paperwork and documentation is properly controlled.

Supplier Compliance & Governance

• Oversee supplier vetting and onboarding, ensuring each vendor meets company standards for quality, delivery, financial stability, and compliance.
• Enforce procurement workflows and through the ERP / MRP system to maintain transparency and audit readiness.
• Liaise with suppliers on performance improvement and credit‑note recoveries.
• Implement system improvements within the ERP / MRP framework to enhance reporting and cost‑tracking accuracy.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or Supply Chain Management.

Minimum 3 years' experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Strong understanding of cost accounting principles landed cost, and supplier management.

ERP / MRP system experience (SYSPRO, Sage, or equivalent).

Proficiency in Excel and financial analysis.

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across Finance and Operations.
• Ethical, transparent, and results‑driven mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.