Cost Accountant

Boardroom Appointments; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in South Africa is seeking a Cost Accountant for a 6-month contract. The role involves overseeing cost management, analyzing financial data, and preparing reports to senior management. Candidates should have 3-4 years of relevant experience, preferably in FMCG or manufacturing sectors, and be proficient with costing systems like Sage X3. This position also includes team collaboration and compliance responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-4 years of experience in cost accounting or similar financial role.
• Experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs) and variance analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of costing systems and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate tracking and reporting of production costs.
• Analyze cost variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and present cost reports to senior management.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and assist with stock takes.

Skills

Cost Management & Analysis

Attention to detail

Financial data analysis

Collaboration

Education

3-4 years in cost accounting or financial role

Experience in FMCG or manufacturing

Tools

Sage X3

SAP

Syspro

Job description

Cost Accountant - 6 Month Contract - with possible extensions

Key Responsibilities

Cost Management & Analysis

Oversee the cost accounting function, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of production costs, including direct labour, raw materials, packaging, and overhead.

Analyze and report on cost variances, identifying causes and suggesting corrective actions to management.

Monitor and review cost allocations to ensure compliance with budgeting standards and internal control procedures.

Investigate low gross profit (GP) sales orders, and review labour and overhead recoveries.

Update and maintain standard costing models for inventory, labour, and overhead costs.

Financial Reporting

Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports to senior management, highlighting key trends and insights on cost behaviour and profitability.

Collaborate with the finance team to support the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial planning.

Ensure accurate accounting and reporting of inventory, including stock reconciliation and valuation.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

Identify cost‑saving opportunities and highlight cost drivers.

Recommend ways of reducing scrap rates and assist with monthly stock take.

Work closely with operational teams to provide financial insights aimed at improving production efficiency and minimizing waste.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Collaborate with other departments, including operations, procurement, and sales, to improve cost visibility and reporting accuracy.

Compliance & Audit

Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and company policies.

Ensure that all cost accounting practices comply with relevant accounting standards and company procedures.

Experience and Qualifications

Minimum of 3–4 years of experience in cost accounting or a similar financial role, with a strong focus on manufacturing or FMCG environments (food factory experience preferred).

Experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs), variance analysis, and financial forecasting.

Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in financial data analysis.

In‑depth knowledge of costing systems, inventory management, and budgeting processes.

Previous experience working with ERP systems such as Sage, SAP, Syspro, or similar (currently using Sage X3).