Cost and Management Accoun

Network Finance; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a Cost & Management Accountant for a manufacturing plant in Gauteng. The role partners with operations to analyse costs, BOMs, and WIP to drive profitability and efficiency. You will own budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and provide actionable insights to management.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree, 5+ years in cost or management accounting within manufacturing, advanced Excel skills, and a hands-on, proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in cost or management accounting.
• Experience in a manufacturing/plant environment.
• Strong exposure to BOMs, WIP, cost analysis, inventory management, budgeting & forecasting, variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost and management accounting activities within the plant.
• Develop, maintain and analyse BOMs for accurate product costing.
• Monitor costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting and planning processes.
• Analyse variances and provide actionable commentary to management.
• Partner with operations to improve cost control and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes and reporting.

Skills

Cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Variance analysis

BOMs

WIP management

Inventory management

Financial modelling

Data interpretation

Analytical thinking

Business partnering

Education

Relevant degree in Finance/Accounting/Cost & Management Accounting

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Financial modelling tools

Job description

Are you a Cost & Management Accountant who enjoys understanding what drives business performance, not just reporting on it? Do you thrive in an operational environment where your analysis influences production efficiency, cost control, and profitability?

An exciting opportunity has become available for a commercially minded finance professional to join a dynamic manufacturing operation. This role offers the chance to work closely with operational teams, challenge assumptions, and provide the financial insights needed to drive smarter business decisions.

This is far more than a traditional reporting role. You'll become a trusted business partner to operations, helping management understand production costs, improve efficiencies, and maximise profitability across the plant.

If you're passionate about turning data into action and enjoy being immersed in the operational side of the business, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

Key Responsibilities

Cost & Management Accounting

• Lead all cost and management accounting activities within the plant environment.
• Develop, maintain, and analyse Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate product costing.
• Monitor manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Analyse cost drivers and provide recommendations to enhance operational performance.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Drive budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes across the operation.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide meaningful commentary on financial and operational performance.
• Support management with data-driven planning and decision-making.

Inventory & Production Analysis

• Monitor and analyse Work in Progress (WIP) and inventory balances.
• Ensure inventory valuations are accurate and aligned with operational realities.
• Review production efficiencies and identify trends impacting cost performance.
• Investigate variances and implement corrective recommendations where required.

Commercial Finance & Business Partnering

• Work closely with operational teams to improve cost control and efficiency.
• Translate complex financial information into practical business recommendations.
• Provide meaningful insights to support profitability and performance improvement initiatives.
• Partner with management to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for optimisation.

Continuous Improvement

• Support initiatives aimed at improving financial controls and operational efficiencies.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and strengthen reporting.
• Contribute to the development of a commercially focused, data-driven culture within the business.

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree in Finance, Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience within Cost Accounting or Management Accounting.
• Proven experience within a manufacturing, production, or plant environment.
• Strong exposure to:
  • Bills of Materials (BOMs)
  • Work in Progress (WIP)
  • Cost Analysis
  • Inventory Management
  • Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Variance Analysis

Technical Skills

• Strong costing and management accounting expertise.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities.
• Ability to interpret operational data and convert it into actionable insights.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• Commercially minded and operationally focused.
• Analytical with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Confident partnering with both finance and operational stakeholders.
• Proactive, hands‑on, and detail‑oriented.
• Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving improvement.
• Passionate about helping businesses operate more efficiently and profitably.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional finance and become deeply involved in the operational heartbeat of the business. You'll gain exposure to production processes, influence key decisions, and play a direct role in improving profitability and performance.

If you're looking for a role where your financial expertise can make a measurable business impact, we'd love to hear from you.