Cost Accountant (Contract)

O'Brien Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm is seeking a skilled Cost Accountant for a contract position in Epping, Cape Town, until December 2025. The successful candidate will support the Finance Manager with cost analysis and financial reporting. Candidates should have a Degree in Cost & Management Accounting and 3–5 years of experience in a similar role. Strong numerical, analytical, and communication skills are essential. Immediate availability is preferred.

Benefits

Opportunity for permanent placement

Exposure to a dynamic manufacturing environment

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with a completed Degree or National Diploma in a related field.
• 3–5 years experience in a Cost Accounting or Financial Analyst role.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform cost accounting and financial analysis to support business decisions.
• Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations, and reporting packs.
• Conduct production order and variance analysis.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Degree in Cost & Management Accounting

Tools

SAP

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Cost Accountant (Contract) — Location: Epping, Cape Town — Contract Duration: Until December 2025 — Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists for a skilled Cost Accountant to join a leading manufacturing business on a contract basis for the remainder of the year. The role will be based onsite at the Epping plant, supporting the Finance Manager and wider team with critical cost and financial analysis.

The successful candidate will ideally have a strong background in Manufacturing Finance and Cost Accounting, with the ability to step into a fast-paced environment and provide valuable financial insights from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform cost accounting and financial analysis to support business decision-making
• Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations, and reporting packs
• Conduct production order and variance analysis (including purchase price variances)
• Support stock management: adjustments, verifications, costing, and stock takes
• Assist with WIP transactions and cost loading (fabric, sundries, and standards)
• Prepare financial presentations and forecasts for management review
• Support budgeting and activity rate loading
• Perform ad-hoc finance duties to support the plant operations

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with a completed Degree / National Diploma in Cost & Management Accounting, Auditing, or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a Cost Accounting or Financial Analyst role, preferably within manufacturing
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Intermediate Excel skills and solid computer literacy (SAP knowledge beneficial)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

What’s on Offer

• A contract until year-end with the opportunity for permanent placement if you are the right fit
• Valuable exposure to a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Onsite role at the Epping plant

If you are immediately available, have the required cost accounting background, and are looking to secure a contract role, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to join this well-established team.