Cost And Management Accountant

African Leadership Academy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

The African Leadership Academy seeks a cost and management accountant to support their financial strategy and performance in Johannesburg. This role includes financial reporting, budgeting, and grant management, requiring a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of relevant experience. Candidates with SAIPA or ACCA certifications and proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle will be favored. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential to success in this dynamic organization.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in cost accounting or financial analysis.
• Experience in manufacturing or production is preferred.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the monthly BU Report and manage the budget process.
• Track and report on financial performance of funded programs.
• Assist with system integration and optimization of software.

Skills

Cost Accounting

Management Accounting

Financial Analysis

Software Proficiency

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field

SAIPA or ACCA professional certifications

CIMA or similar qualification

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

The cost and management accountant plays a critical role in supporting the financial strategy, planning and performance of the organization. Reporting directly and working closely with the FM and collaboratively with the CMA around monthly, quarterly and annual finance processes. The person will be responsible for processes and governance and enhancement, management and cost reporting and lastly financial modelling. The CMA must be able to analyse the performance and plans of the business and provide actionable recommendations to improve financial health and advance the mission of the organization.

Key Tasks And Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare the monthly BU Report
• Reconciliation of Grants Reports against Sage Intacct
• Budget Process management (Planning, preparation, testing, reporting and review)
• Preparation of data for Business Unit Analysis
• Management of Passthrough transactions
  
  

Budgeting and forecasting

• Prepare analysis of budget vs spending in accordance with grant/donor funding requirements.
• Consolidate and analyse organizational budgets and ensure alignment with organizational strategic plans.
• Report on budget performance including review and analysis of monthly variances.
• Proactively support managers in potential areas of concern in relation to underspending and overspending on programs and grants.
• Support CFO in preparing board pack for FICOMM, MR and Budget and reforecast presentations.
  
  

Grant Reporting

• Track and report on the financial performance of funded programs for external partners.
• Preparation of the first draft for Grant Reporting.
• Extract ledger listings for review and analysis of cost allocation/tagging for the Programs Team.
• Collate and manage supporting documentation process for documents to accompany grant reports. Central repository for grant documents (including donor contracts) to be shared with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with special project preparation, planning and implementation.
  
  

Systems Management and FM support

• Manage system integration and optimisation of Martus and Sage Intacct.
• Assist with customisation and system development and strengthening Martus and Sage Intacct.
• Maintain and update internal performance trackers and plan and monitor deliverables/finance calendar.
• Document, update and share monthly and quarterly deadline schedules and monitor compliance and adherence thereto.
  
  

Education

Person Specification:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Some employers prefer SAIPA or ACCA professional certifications.
• Currently studying CIMA or similar qualification will be beneficial.
  
  

Experience And Skills

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in cost accounting, management accounting, or financial analysis.
• Experience in manufacturing, production, or other relevant industries is often preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or similar is beneficial.
• Cost Accounting: Understanding of standard costing, bill of materials (BOM) analysis, and variance reporting.
• Management Accounting: Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and performance measurement.
• Financial Analysis: Ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and provide insights.
• Software Proficiency: Strong Excel skills and proficiency with ERP systems.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely.
• Detail-oriented: High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve financial issues.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data and identify trends.
  
  

Reporting: The Finance Manager

Location: ALA Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa

Start date: August 2025