Cost Accountant

FirstRand Bank Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Bank Limited is seeking a Cost Accountant with strong analytics to build and refine cost and profitability models across Branch Banking. You will interrogate data, forecast costs, and translate insights into actionable guidance for leadership and operations.

The role emphasizes SQL proficiency, data storytelling with Power BI/Tableau, and advanced Excel modelling to improve profitability and resource allocation across the business.

Qualifications

• A relevant bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost & Management Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related qualification.
• 4 - 5 years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting, Financial Analytics, Financial Data Intelligence, or a similar finance-focused analytical role.
• Experience analysing large and complex datasets to support business performance, cost management, profitability analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to derive insights from financial and operational data and translate findings into meaningful business recommendations.
• Strong SQL capability and experience using data interrogation techniques to extract, analyse, and interpret data.
• Experience with data visualisation and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Strong analytical, modelling, problem-solving, and financial reasoning skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and enhance cost allocation, profitability, forecasting, and predictive models that support strategic business decisions.
• Apply analytical and data science techniques to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and performance drivers.
• Develop insights that support cost optimisation, resource allocation, and profitability improvement initiatives.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning activities.
• Translate complex financial and operational information into clear, actionable recommendations for business stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance, Analytics, Data, and Business teams to solve commercial challenges and improve decision-making.
• Drive automation, continuous improvement, and model governance practices.

Skills

SQL

Financial analytics

Financial data intelligence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Cost & Management Accounting/Business Analytics/Data Science

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Job description

Job Description: To develop and interrogate detailed cost and profitability models, providing actionable insights that support operational decision-making and enable forward-looking financial planning. This role ensures the integrity of cost data, identifies trends and variances, and translates financial information into meaningful recommendations that enhance business performance and resource optimisation.

Hello, future Cost Accountant FNB Point of Presence (PoP) Finance is seeking a Cost Accountant with Financial Analytics, Financial Data Intelligence, Business Intelligence, or Data Science skills to help drive profitability and strategic decision-making within Branch Banking. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of Finance, Data Analytics, and Business Strategy, leveraging large datasets, SQL, and advanced modelling techniques to deliver meaningful business insights. Far more than a traditional Cost Accountant role, you'll build cost and profitability models, uncover opportunities for improved performance, and influence key business decisions. If you're passionate about transforming data into actionable insights and creating measurable business impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Are you someone who can build, maintain, and enhance cost allocation, profitability, forecasting, and predictive models that support strategic business decisions. Apply analytical and data science techniques to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and performance drivers across the Branch Banking environment. Use SQL and data interrogation techniques to analyse large and complex datasets. Develop insights that support cost optimisation, resource allocation, and profitability improvement initiatives. Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning activities. Translate complex financial and operational information into clear, actionable recommendations for business stakeholders. Partner with Finance, Analytics, Data, and Business teams to solve commercial challenges and improve decision-making. Drive automation, continuous improvement, and model governance practices. Leverage data-driven insights to influence business strategy and performance outcomes.

You will be an ideal candidate if you have:

• A relevant bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost & Management Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related qualification.
• 4 - 5 years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting, Financial Analytics, Financial Data Intelligence, or a similar finance-focused analytical role.
• Experience analysing large and complex datasets to support business performance, cost management, profitability analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to derive insights from financial and operational data and translate findings into meaningful business recommendations.
• Strong SQL capability and experience using data interrogation techniques to extract, analyse, and interpret data.
• Experience with data visualisation and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Strong analytical, modelling, problem-solving, and financial reasoning skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.
• Ability to interpret complex financial and operational data and convert it into actionable business insights.
• Exposure to forecasting, predictive analytics, statistical modelling, machine learning, or business intelligence solutions will be advantageous.
• A curious mindset with a passion for solving business problems through data-driven decision-making.

What's in it for you:

• You'll be part of a finance function that is evolving and integrating with analytics, automation, and strategic business partnering and provides the opportunity to Develop highly sought-after Finance and Data Analytics skills.
• Gain exposure to senior business stakeholders and strategic decision-making.
• Work on impactful projects that directly influence business performance.
• Strengthen your modelling, analytics, commercial, and financial capabilities.
• Build a career at the intersection of Finance, Data, and Business Strategy.

Important Closing Date

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below. 14/10/26

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

FirstRand provides a comprehensive range of financial services in South Africa and certain markets in broader Africa. The group also offers certain niche products and services in the UK and India.

Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), FirstRand Limited is the largest financial institution by market capitalisation in Africa.

The group follows a multi-branding approach. Its portfolio of financial services businesses includes FNB, RMB, WesBank, Ashburton Investments, Aldermore, MotoNovo and DirectAxis. Many are leaders in their respective segments and markets, offering transactional, lending, investment and insurance products and services.

The FirstRand Corporate Centre houses many of the critical functions required by a large and complex financial services group. The group’s track record of delivering superior returns to shareholders has been achieved through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions, innovation and the creation of completely new businesses. The group’s purpose of delivering Shared Prosperity provides many opportunities for employees to innovate to address social and environmental challenges in our markets.

All of our businesses have successful Volunteering programmes which also allow employees to adopt and support causes close to their hearts.