Cost Accountant

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng invites an experienced Cost Accountant to join our client’s manufacturing finance team in Tembisa. The role focuses on costing systems, variance analysis, and cost optimization to drive profitability and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cost accounting within manufacturing, with ERP proficiency (SAP/Oracle) and advanced Excel skills. This in-office position offers stability and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Cost Accounting.
• Professional certification (e.g., CIMA, CMA) is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in cost accounting, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Solid understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory valuation methods, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting systems and methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, to identify variances and areas for cost reduction.
• Prepare detailed cost reports, profitability analyses, and variance reports for management.
• Assist in the development of the annual budget and periodic forecasts related to production costs.
• Conduct standard cost setting and variance analysis, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with the production and operations teams to understand cost drivers and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure the accuracy of inventory valuation and costing of goods sold.
• Support audits by providing cost-related data and explanations.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs related to cost efficiency.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of costing processes and systems.

Skills

Cost accounting principles

Variance analysis

Inventory valuation

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Advanced Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Cost Accounting

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent manufacturing firm situated in Tembisa, Gauteng , is actively seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to bolster their finance department. This role is integral to understanding and optimizing production costs, contributing directly to the company's profitability and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical aptitude and a thorough understanding of cost accounting principles within a manufacturing environment. This is a key position focused on driving financial insights that support strategic operational decisions. The role is based full-time in our facility in Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a stable and collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting systems and methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, to identify variances and areas for cost reduction.
• Prepare detailed cost reports, profitability analyses, and variance reports for management.
• Assist in the development of the annual budget and periodic forecasts related to production costs.
• Conduct standard cost setting and variance analysis, recommending adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with the production and operations teams to understand cost drivers and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure the accuracy of inventory valuation and costing of goods sold.
• Support internal and external audits by providing cost-related data and explanations.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost efficiency.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of costing processes and systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Cost Accounting, or a related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., CIMA, CMA) is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in cost accounting, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Solid understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory valuation methods, and variance analysis.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of production processes and their financial implications.
• Located in or willing to relocate to the Tembisa, Gauteng area for full-time, in-office work.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development.
• Employees also benefit from a stable work environment, opportunities for advancement within the company, and the chance to work with a dedicated team in a key industrial hub of Gauteng.

This role is strictly office-based in Tembisa.