Cost Accountant

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Cost Accountant for a 6-month contract in Midrand, South Africa, with potential extensions. The role involves overseeing cost accounting functions, managing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Candidates should have a minimum of 3-4 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in manufacturing or FMCG. Proficiency with ERP systems like Sage X3 is required. Strong analytical and collaboration skills are essential to succeed in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in cost accounting or a similar financial role.
• Strong focus on manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• In-depth knowledge of costing systems and budgeting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the cost accounting function, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of production costs.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports to senior management.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend ways to improve production efficiency.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Variance analysis

Attention to detail

Education

3-4 years of experience in cost accounting

Experience in manufacturing or FMCG

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).