Cost Accountant Manager

Momentum Investments; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 350 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in South Africa seeks a Cost Analyst to manage the annual budget process, provide insights on expenditures, and ensure compliance with internal financial regulations. The ideal candidate is proficient in Excel, has a Bachelor of Commerce, and possesses 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position involves liaising with multiple stakeholders to enhance cost efficiency and operational performance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a similar role.
• Proficient in Financial services; life insurance would be advantageous.
• Listed company experience preferable.

Responsibilities

• Manage the annual expense budget process.
• Provide management with insight on monthly expenditure.
• Oversee Intercompany and interdivisional expense charges.

Skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency (Advanced level)

Excellent written communication skills

Ability to analyze information

Ability to develop and manage relationships

Strong presentation skills

Education

Bachelor of Commerce with articles

CIMA / CA(SA)

Job description

Introduction

Through our client-facing brands Metropolitan and Momentum, with Multiply (wellness and rewards programme), and our other specialist brands, including Guardrisk and Eris Property Group, the group enables business and people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals and life aspirations.

We help people grow their savings, protect what matters to them and invest for the future.

We help companies and organisations care for and reward their employees and members.

Through our own network of advisers or via independent brokers and utilising new platforms Momentum Metropolitan provides practical financial solutions for people, communities and businesses.

Disclaimer

As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

Role Purpose

To ascertain and analyse costs, provide cost data to Momentum Investments management in order to facilitate decisions pertaining to expenditure, and to provide expert advice regarding cost control mechanisms.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Commerce with articles
• CIMA / CA(SA) added advantage
• 3-5 years' experience in a similar role
• Microsoft Excel proficiency (Advanced level)
• Proficient in Financial services; life insurance would be advantageous
• Listed company experience preferable

Duties & Responsibilities

Process : Manage the annual expense budget process for the Momentum Investments business unit within Momentum Group guidelines. This entails providing expert advice to the business in terms of the process to be followed and the feasibility of budgets submitted in view of prior expense trends and business / operational plans. Ensure a robust cost allocation mechanism is in place through periodical activity-based costing analysis. Facilitate monthly expense allocations to ensure that costs are allocated to the appropriate legal entities and according to approved Momentum Investments cost level splits. Provide management with insight on monthly expenditure and variations from budget to facilitate business decisions regarding expense management. Assist with managing the risk of overspending within the business unit through scenario planning and providing a forecast of associated expenses. Perform a headcount analysis to provide information regarding actual versus budgeted headcount, replacement costs, and the cost impact of staff movements. Manage high risk and problematic expense management issues in various areas of accountability and contribute to the development of guidelines and policies for the Momentum Investments business unit in alignment with Momentum Group policies. Oversee Intercompany and interdivisional expense charges for the support functions. This involves providing insight on allocation basis applied. Manage the integrity of the procurement system to ensure correct authorisation of users and the implementation of financial regulations. Act as liaison between the business unit and other Momentum Group functions on matters pertaining to expense management.

Client

Continuously monitor turnaround times and quality standards and resolve issues speedily to enhance client service delivery. Deliver on service level agreements made with clients and internal and external stakeholders to ensure that client expectations are managed. Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility. Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service. Manage budget and implement sound financial controls. Contribute to the financial planning process within area. Identify opportunities to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency. Provide input into the risk identification processes and communicate recommendations in the appropriate forum. Competencies: Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to work well in a collaborative environment; Strong skills in presenting complex information to a diverse audience; Ability to draft commentary and analyse information to establish key messages; Ability to develop and manage relationships with multiple stakeholders in the business; Able to manage stress, pressure and competing demands; Self‑starter - can run independently with large projects; Adhere to governance, risk and compliance requirements.