Cost Accountant (Zero-based experience)

Network Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Recruitment is seeking a Cost & Financial Accountant for a well-established manufacturing company based in Johannesburg East. You will balance operational finance with commercial insight, ensure accurate product costing, support month-end reporting and provide financial insights to improve decision making.

The ideal candidate has a BCom, CIMA qualification or is studying, 4+ years in cost and financial accounting, and solid SAP experience; SYSPRO is advantageous.

Qualifications

• BCom Degree is required.
• CIMA qualification or actively studying towards CIMA is preferred.
• 4+ years' experience in Cost and Financial Accounting with manufacturing exposure.
• Knowledge of zero-based costing / budgeting.
• Manufacturing industry experience is essential.
• SAP experience is essential; SYSPRO experience is advantageous.
• Strong analytical ability with excellent Excel skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage product costing and maintain accurate costing models.
• Perform cost analysis, variance reporting and zero-based costing.
• Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations and financial reports.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare management accounts and financial analysis.
• Monitor inventory valuation and manufacturing costs.
• Partner with production teams to improve cost efficiencies.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support audit requirements.

Skills

Excel skills

Analytical ability

Zero-based costing

Education

BCom Degree

CIMA qualification or studying

Tools

SAP

SYSPRO

Job description

Our client is a well-established manufacturing company based in Johannesburg East, where every production run, every raw material and every costing decision has a direct impact on the bottom line. They're looking for a Cost & Financial Accountant who enjoys balancing operational finance with commercial insight. This is a role for someone who loves understanding how a manufacturing business works, from the factory floor to the financial statements and isn't afraid to question the numbers when something doesn't add up. You'll play a key role in ensuring accurate product costing, supporting month-end reporting and providing the financial insights that help the business make smarter decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage product costing and maintain accurate costing models
• Perform cost analysis, variance reporting and zero-based costing
• Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations and financial reports
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare management accounts and financial analysis
• Monitor inventory valuation and manufacturing costs
• Partner with production teams to improve cost efficiencies
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
• Maintain strong financial controls and support audit requirements

Job Experience and Skills:

• BCom Degree
• CIMA qualified or actively studying towards CIMA
• 4+ years' experience in Cost and Financial Accounting
• Knowledge of zero-based costing / budgeting
• Manufacturing industry experience is essential
• SAP experience is essential
• SYSPRO experience will be advantageous
• Strong analytical ability with excellent Excel skills and attention to detail