Cost Accountant

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Sur place; ZAR 420 000 - 700 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 presents an opportunity for a Cost Accountant to join our client in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will analyze production costs, inventory valuation, and overhead to drive profitability and cost transparency across manufacturing operations.

You will develop and maintain cost systems, prepare reports for management, and support budgeting, forecasting, and cost-saving initiatives in collaboration with production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CIMA/CMA or equivalent certification is advantageous.
• 3–5 years cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong costing methods: standard costing, activity-based costing.
• ERP experience (SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proactive and detail-oriented approach.

Responsabilités

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting systems and methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, to determine product profitability.
• Perform variance analysis between standard and actual costs, investigating significant discrepancies.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting for cost elements.
• Manage inventory valuation processes for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with production managers to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare regular cost reports and presentations for senior management.
• Support audits by providing cost-related data and explanations.
• Evaluate cost implications of new product introductions or process changes.
• Ensure compliance with cost accounting standards and regulations.

Connaissances

Cost accounting

Analytical skills

Excel

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CIMA / CMA or equivalent certification

Outils

SAP

Oracle

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a skilled Cost Accountant to join their team in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is essential for driving efficiency and profitability by analyzing production costs, inventory valuation, and operational expenses. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining cost accounting systems, providing critical financial insights to production and management teams. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a well-established company with a strong reputation for quality. You will work closely with various departments to ensure accurate cost data is available for strategic decision-making, cost reduction initiatives, and performance measurement. The role requires a proactive individual with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. Join a supportive environment that values analytical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cost accounting systems and methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including direct materials, direct labor, and overhead, to determine product profitability.
• Perform variance analysis between standard and actual costs, investigating significant discrepancies.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and periodic forecasts, with a focus on cost elements.
• Manage inventory valuation processes and ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with production managers to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement efficiency improvements.
• Prepare regular cost reports and presentations for senior management.
• Support internal and external audits by providing cost-related data and explanations.
• Evaluate the cost implications of new product introductions or process changes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations related to cost accounting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CIMA, CMA, or equivalent is advantageous.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles and techniques (e.g., standard costing, activity-based costing).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• A proactive and detail-oriented approach to work.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund. There are ample opportunities for professional development and career growth within the company. Being based in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**, provides access to a thriving industrial hub. We believe in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, where employees are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to the company's success. This role is ideal for a dedicated cost professional seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the manufacturing industry.