Cost Accountant

CA Support; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A niche manufacturing business in Brackenfell is seeking a Cost Accountant to provide accurate financial reporting and commercial support. This role focuses on cost modeling, margin analysis, and ensuring compliance with VAT regulations. Ideal candidates will have experience in product costing and management accounts alongside strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary based on experience and is office-based with opportunities to influence business growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant in manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong understanding of margin management.
• Experience producing monthly management accounts.
• Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain product costing models.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and budget analyses.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately.
• Prepare detailed client quotations based on specifications.

Skills

Product costing

Variance analysis

Management accounts preparation

VAT compliance

Client communication

Accounting software (Quickbooks)

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Education

ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified

Tools

Quickbooks

Excel

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Cost Accountant

Location: Brackenfell

Reports To: Managing Director

Job Purpose: To provide accurate and timely cost accounting, financial reporting, and commercial support to a niche manufacturing business. The role will focus on product costing, margin analysis, and management reporting, while also supporting VAT compliance, client quotations, and customer-facing financial communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Accounting & Financial Control
  • Develop and maintain product costing models for components and bespoke builds.
  • Monitor material, labour, and overhead costs; investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support pricing strategy through margin analysis and cost optimisation.
  • Maintain cost allocation methods and ensure consistent application across production.
• Management Accounts & Reporting
  • Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
  • Produce budget vs. actual analyses with clear commentary.
  • Assist with annual budgeting and rolling forecasts.
  • Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support commercial decisions.
• VAT & Compliance
  • Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time.
  • Ensure compliance with VAT regulations relevant to manufacturing and sales.
  • Maintain audit-ready financial records and documentation.
• Client Quotations & Commercial Support
  • Prepare detailed and accurate quotations for clients based on build specifications.
  • Liaise with sales and production teams to ensure pricing reflects true build costs.
  • Review quotation profitability and flag margin risks.
• Client Communication
  • Act as a point of contact for financial queries from clients.
  • Explain quotations, pricing, and cost breakdowns in a clear and professional manner.
  • Build positive working relationships with clients through effective communication.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical & Professional

• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant, ideally in manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong understanding of product costing, variance analysis, and margin management.
• Experience producing monthly management accounts.
• Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.
• Experience producing commercial quotations or pricing models.
• Proficiency in accounting software (preferably Quickbooks) and Excel.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.

Personal & Interpersonal

• Outgoing, friendly personality with strong client-facing communication skills.
• Confident communicator, able to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Commercially minded with a practical, solution-oriented approach.
• Well-organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified (or equivalent).
• Experience within the automotive, leisure vehicle, or manufacturing sectors.
• Experience working in a growing or owner-managed business environment.

Working Environment

• Office-based with regular interaction with production, sales, and management teams.
• Involvement in both operational and commercial aspects of the business.
• Opportunity to influence pricing, profitability, and business growth.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.

To Apply

• Please clink on the Apply button or;
• Visit our vacancy tab at https://talentsupport.co.za/find-a-career/