Cost Accountant

Eq8 Recruit; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in the maritime sector is seeking a skilled Cost Accountant to oversee cost control analysis within a manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will provide insights across vessel manufacturing activities and ensure accurate cost management. Required qualifications include a degree in cost or management accounting, ERP system knowledge, and advanced Excel skills. This position offers a market-related salary commensurate with responsibilities, supporting vital production processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with bills of material and costing.
• Valid drivers licence and own transport.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate material cost records for raw materials and components.
• Monitor purchase prices and identify cost drivers.
• Provide cost estimates for new projects and prototypes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cost management principles

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Adaptability in production environment

Education

Degree in cost or management accounting

Tools

ERP systems (SYSPRO experience advantageous)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

15th January, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

Our client is recruiting a Cost Accountant to support cost control analysis and reporting within a maritime and shipbuilding operation, working closely with the Costing Manager and production teams to provide accurate financial insight across vessel manufacturing activities.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

Our client operates within the maritime and shipbuilding sector, supporting complex boat manufacturing and production processes where cost accuracy operational efficiency and commercial insight are essential.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

In order to be shortlisted for the vacancy, the successful candidate will have the following skills and competencies, but not limited to:

• Degree in cost and or management accounting or a relevant qualification
• Minimum of five years experience in a manufacturing environment in a similar role
• Proven experience with bills of material and costing in a manufacturing setting
• Working knowledge of ERP systems with SYSPRO experience advantageous
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables formulas macros and reporting
• Valid drivers licence and own transport
• Strong analytical and problem solving ability
• Sound knowledge of cost management principles
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to adapt in a changing production environment
• Willingness to work overtime when required

JOB DESCRIPTION

The role responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining accurate material cost records for raw materials components and subcontracted services
• Monitoring purchase prices consumption levels and identifying cost drivers
• Ensuring bills of materials are correctly costed maintained and updated
• Participating in annual budgeting for existing boat models
• Providing cost estimates for new projects prototypes and product lines
• Supporting pricing strategies through cost based analysis
• Tracking material usage waste scrap and rework costs
• Developing efficiency KPIs and reporting on cost impacts
• Performing material labour and overhead variance analysis
• Investigating variances and presenting findings to management
• Ensuring contract pricing accuracy and maintaining correct units of measure

Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates with the specific skills and experience required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role will be contacted for an interview by one of our consultants. Thereafter, a detailed job description will be made available for discussion before CVs are submitted to our client for review.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

A market related salary based on the level of responsibility for this role is on offer.