Cost Accountant (Zero-based experience)

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a Cost & Financial Accountant for a manufacturing client based in Johannesburg East. The role blends operational and financial performance, delivering cost insights that drive profitability and strategy.

You will manage product costing, analyze manufacturing performance, support month-end reporting, and collaborate with operational teams to identify efficiency improvements and cost optimisation. A commercially minded finance professional will excel here.

Qualifications

• BCom degree in accounting or related field; CIMA qualification pursued or completed.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in cost accounting and financial accounting in manufacturing.
• Experience with product costing, variance reporting, and management reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain product costing models for accurate cost allocation.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and variance reporting across manufacturing operations.
• Apply zero-based costing and budgeting methodologies to support cost management.
• Analyse profitability trends and recommend improvements to margins and efficiency.
• Partner with production and operations to improve cost efficiency and resource use.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Costing

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

BCom Degree in Accounting

CIMA qualification

Tools

SAP

SYSPRO

Job description

Why are margins under pressure? Why are production costs increasing? Which products are truly profitable, and which are quietly eroding margins?

If you're the type of finance professional who enjoys digging deeper, challenging assumptions, and using data to drive better business decisions, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organisation based in Johannesburg East, is looking for an experienced Cost & Financial Accountant to join their finance team. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of operational and financial performance, providing critical cost insights that directly influence profitability and business strategy.

You’ll be responsible for managing product costing, analysing manufacturing performance, supporting month-end reporting, and partnering with operational teams to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost optimisation. This is an ideal role for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys understanding how operations impact financial performance and turning that understanding into meaningful business value.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Profitability Analysis

• Manage and maintain product costing models to ensure accurate and reliable cost allocation.
• Perform detailed cost analysis and variance reporting across manufacturing operations.
• Apply zero-based costing and budgeting methodologies to support effective cost management.
• Analyse profitability trends and identify opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.
• Investigate cost drivers and provide recommendations to support informed decision-making.

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for leadership review.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information and reporting outputs.
• Support financial analysis and reporting requirements across the business.

Inventory & Manufacturing Finance

• Monitor inventory valuation and manufacturing costs.
• Analyse production variances and operational performance indicators.
• Partner with production and operations teams to improve cost efficiency and optimise resource utilisation.
• Ensure costing methodologies remain aligned with operational realities and business objectives.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Controls

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Support the development of financial models and performance forecasts.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support compliance requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audit processes where required.

Requirements

Qualifications

• BCom Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CIMA qualified or actively pursuing a CIMA qualification.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years' experience within Cost Accounting and Financial Accounting.
• Manufacturing industry experience is essential.
• Proven experience in product costing, variance analysis, and management reporting.
• Exposure to zero-based costing and budgeting methodologies.
• Experience partnering with operational and production teams.

Technical Skills

• SAP experience is essential.
• Exposure to SYSPRO will be advantageous.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, costing, and financial reporting capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong commercial and operational understanding.
• Exceptional analytical and investigative abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to translate financial information into practical business insights.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
• The confidence to challenge assumptions and drive better decision-making.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a respected manufacturing business where your insights will have a direct impact on profitability and operational performance. You’ll gain exposure to both financial and operational aspects of the business while working closely with production teams and senior management to drive informed decision-making.

If you’re passionate about costing, manufacturing finance, and helping businesses understand the story behind the numbers, we’d love to hear from you.