Cost Accountant and BI Analyst

ARVO; Montagu; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African FMCG company is seeking a Cost Accountant and BI Analyst to enhance strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Responsibilities include managing product costing, inventory control, and financial reporting, alongside designing BI dashboards using Qlik Sense. Ideal candidates should have a solid accounting background and experience in BI development, along with strong analytical skills and proficiency in relevant tools. This hybrid role offers growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing/FMCG environment.
• 2+ years’ experience in BI development, preferably with Qlik Sense.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage product costing, inventory control, and financial reporting.
• Design and implement interactive dashboards using Qlik Sense.
• Perform full absorption costing and update cost recovery rates.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Knowledge of BI tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cost & Management Accounting, Financial Management, Data Analytics, or related field

CIMA qualification (or working towards)

Tools

Qlik Sense

SQL

SYSPRO

PowerBI

Cloud platforms (e.g., Azure)

Job description

Our client is a South African company that manufactures, distributes, and markets consumer packaged goods (CPG), primarily food. They operate in a dynamic, forward-thinking organization dedicated to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating a supportive, inclusive work environment. As part of the broader team, their goal is to grow their food brands and category solutions in a sustainable and profitable manner. They prioritize building strong relationships with their customers and aim to be South Africa’s leading producer and distributor of high-quality products and brands. To achieve this, they believe that their people are their greatest asset, and they are committed to investing in their development and well-being.

They are looking for a Cost Accountant and BI Analyst to join their team!

About the role:

This is a hybrid role combining cost accounting and business intelligence responsibilities to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will manage product costing, inventory control, and financial reporting while also designing and deploying BI dashboards and data models to provide actionable insights across the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting:

• Implement and maintain standard costing for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Perform full absorption costing and update cost recovery rates.
• Support NPD with product costings and margin analysis.
• Manage inventory accuracy, valuation, and reporting.
• Maintain and validate BOMs and monitor waste control.
• Prepare manufacturing cost reports and support month-end processes.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and CAPEX project costing.
• Ensure compliance with accounting principles and internal controls.

Business Intelligence:

• Design and implement interactive dashboards using Qlik Sense.
• Develop ETL (Extract, transform, and load) scripts and data models from multiple sources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define KPIs and reporting needs.
• Maintain and optimize BI applications for performance and scalability.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity through validation and governance.
• Provide BI support and training to end-users.
• Stay current with BI trends and identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cost & Management Accounting, Financial Management, Data Analytics, or related field.
• CIMA qualification (or working towards) advantageous.
• 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing/FMCG environment.
• 2+ years’ experience in BI development, preferably with Qlik Sense.
• Experience with SQL, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure), and CRM tools beneficial.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between sites.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (SYSPRO advantageous), and BI tools (Qlik Sense and PowerBI advantageous).
• Knowledge of data warehousing, integration, and governance.
• Collaborative team player with a passion for continuous improvement.

What You'll Achieve:

• Be part of a leading FMCG business driving innovation and efficiency.
• Influence financial and operational decisions through data and insight.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values growth and excellence.
• Enjoy opportunities for career development within the group.