Cost Accountant

Network Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment is seeking a cost accountant to drive standard costing across the business, review BOMs and monitor WIP. The role includes variance analysis, detailed reporting for stakeholders, and active involvement in budgeting and forecasting to support strategic decisions.

You will analyse manufacturing costs, identify cost-saving opportunities, and work with production teams to improve profitability in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Strong Excel and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or National Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Cost Accounting, or a related field
• 3-5 years' Cost Accounting experience
• Experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment essential
• BOMs, WIP, and variance analysis experience
• Strong reporting and report-writing skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Responsibilities

• Managing standard costing processes across the business
• Maintaining and reviewing Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Monitoring and analysing Work in Progress (WIP)
• Conducting detailed variance analysis and investigating cost deviations
• Preparing cost and management reports for stakeholders
• Supporting budgeting and forecasting processes
• Analysing manufacturing and production costs
• Identifying cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Monitoring inventory movements and stock valuation accuracy
• Assisting with month-end reporting and reconciliations
• Partnering with production and operational teams to improve profitability
• Providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making

Skills

Analytical thinking

Advanced Excel

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree or National Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Cost Accounting

Tools

Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Managing standard costing processes across the business Maintaining and reviewing Bills of Materials (BOMs)Monitoring and analysing Work in Progress (WIP) Conducting detailed variance analysis and investigating cost deviations Preparing cost and management reports for stakeholders Supporting budgeting and forecasting processes Analysing manufacturing and production costs Identifying cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies Monitoring inventory movements and stock valuation accuracy Assisting with month-end reporting and reconciliations Partnering with production and operational teams to improve profitability Providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making

Minimum Requirements

Degree or National Diploma in Accounting, Finance, Cost Accounting, or a related field 3-5 years' Cost Accounting experience Experience within an FMCG or manufacturing environment essential Food manufacturing industry experience highly advantageous Strong understanding of standard costing principles Experience with BOMs, WIP, and variance analysis Strong reporting and report-writing skills Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

What We're Looking For

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Excellent attention to detail Commercially minded with a focus on profitability Ability to interpret and present financial data effectively Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Proactive and solutions-driven approach Ability to work in a fast-paced operational environment Strong organisational and time management skills

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established manufacturing business where you'll work closely with operations, influence profitability, and gain exposure to a highly commercial finance environment. The role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact through cost optimisation, financial analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.