Cost Accountant

Carlysle Human Capital; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in South Africa seeks an experienced Project Accountant to manage project accounting processes. The role includes tracking project costs, preparing financial schedules, and ensuring compliance with IFRS standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance and over 5 years of relevant experience in cost or project accounting. Strong analytical and ERP system skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in cost accounting, project accounting, or management accounting within a corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge in revenue recognition and WIP management.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Sage.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end project accounting and ensure accurate tracking of costs and revenues.
• Prepare and review monthly WIP and revenue recognition schedules.
• Record and reconcile contract assets and liabilities.
• Process project accruals and ensure proper month-end cut-offs.
• Analyse project performance and provide insights.
• Maintain financial accuracy of project budgets and forecasts.
• Assist with audits by providing relevant financial data.

Skills

Cost accounting

Project accounting

Management accounting

Revenue recognition (IFRS 15)

WIP management

Contract assets and liabilities accounting

Project accruals and cost allocations

Advanced Excel

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle/Sage)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Job description

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (BCom / BCompt preferred).
• 5+ years experience in cost accounting, project accounting, or management accounting within a corporate or project-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge and experience in:
  • Revenue recognition (IFRS 15)
  • Work‑in‑progress (WIP) management
  • Contract assets and liabilities accounting
  • Project accruals and cost allocations
  • Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience (SAP / Oracle / Sage / similar)

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end project accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of project costs, revenues, and margins.
• Prepare and review monthly WIP and revenue recognition schedules in line with IFRS standards.
• Record and reconcile contract assets (unbilled revenue) and contract liabilities (deferred income).
• Process project accruals and ensure proper cut‑off of income and expenses at month‑end.
• Analyse project performance, identify variances, and provide financial insights to project managers and finance leadership.
• Ensure financial accuracy of project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing relevant project financial data and reconciliations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure all accounting practices adhere to company policies and accounting standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.