Cost Controller

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Komani; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing solutions firm in South Africa seeks a Cost Controller to drive profitability through precise costing and proactive financial monitoring. The successful candidate will prepare daily financial reports, analyze cost structures, and oversee inventory management. Applicants should possess a diploma in Cost & Management Accounting, coupled with 3-5 years of experience in the FMCG or manufacturing sectors. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in ERP tools are essential for effective performance in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in cost accounting or management accounting.
• Experience in FMCG or manufacturing (dairy experience beneficial).
• Strong understanding of standard costing and manufacturing cost structures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost and expense reports for management.
• Monitor and report daily gross profit and margin performance.
• Maintain and update product costing, including materials, labour, and overhead.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Analytical ability

Attention to detail

Understanding of BOMs

Engagement with operational teams

Education

Diploma/Degree in Cost & Management Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Sage, Syspro)

Job description

Role Purpose

The Cost Controller will support the business in maximising profitability through accurate costing, disciplined financial analysis and proactive cost monitoring. This role ensures visibility of production efficiencies, tracks gross profit performance daily and drives continuous improvement across the factory.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting & Financial Insight

• Prepare accurate cost and expense reports for management.
• Analyse production performance and highlight key trends and variances.
• Monitor and report daily gross profit and margin performance across product categories.
• Conduct product profit margin analysis, including variable and fixed cost structures.
• Issue daily operational and financial reports to internal stakeholders.

Cost Control, Standard Costing & Process Improvement

• Maintain and update product costing, including materials, labour, and overhead allocations.
• Monitor and track BOM accuracy, standard costing, and actual vs standard cost performance.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement across operations.
• Work with procurement, supply chain, and production teams to ensure all costs are accurately captured.
• Analyse cost movements, material prices, and consumption trends.
• Support the development and maintenance of cost forecasts.
• Allocate variable and fixed costs to correct cost centres.

Stock Administration, Inventory & Reconciliation

• Capture daily production transactions and ensure cost data is accurate and up to date.
• Participate in annual physical inventory counts and provide variance analysis.
• Perform monthly inventory and cost of sales reconciliations.
• Investigate unusual fluctuations in stock or cost balances.

Role Requirements

• Diploma/Degree in Cost & Management Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting or management accounting within FMCG or manufacturing (dairy experience beneficial).
• Strong understanding of standard costing, BOMs, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Sage, Syspro, or similar).
• Excellent analytical ability, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable engaging with operational teams and interpreting financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-moving production environment.