Cost Accountant

FirstRand Bank India; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Bank India is seeking a Cost Accountant with strong analytics to build cost and profitability models that drive strategic decisions in Branch Banking. You will interrogate data, develop forecasting and predictive models, and translate financial information into actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

The role blends Finance, Data Analytics, and Business Strategy, requiring advanced SQL, Excel, and BI tools, with opportunities to influence performance and resource optimisation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost & Management Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Science, Mathematics or related field.
• 4 - 5 years of Cost Accounting, Financial Analytics or similar analytical experience.
• Experience analysing large datasets to support performance and profitability decisions.
• Ability to derive actionable insights from financial and operational data.
• Strong SQL and data interrogation skills.
• Experience with data visualisation and reporting tools (Power BI/Tableau).
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities.
• Exposure to forecasting, predictive analytics, statistical modelling or BI solutions is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and enhance cost allocation, profitability, forecasting, and predictive models.
• Apply analytics to identify trends, risks, and performance drivers.
• Use SQL to analyse large datasets and translate findings for stakeholders.
• Develop insights to optimise costs, allocate resources and improve profitability.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Translate complex data into clear recommendations for business stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance, Analytics, Data, and Business teams to solve commercial challenges.
• Drive automation, governance, and continuous improvement of models.
• Leverage data-driven insights to influence strategy and performance outcomes.

Skills

SQL

Data interrogation

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Financial modelling

Forecasting

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Business analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost & Management Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Science or Mathematics

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

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.

#Post

#FNB

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Important Closing Date Note

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.