Cost & Profitability Analytics Specialist

FirstRand Bank Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Bank Limited is seeking a Cost Accountant with strong analytics to build and refine cost and profitability models across Branch Banking. You will interrogate data, forecast costs, and translate insights into actionable guidance for leadership and operations.

The role emphasizes SQL proficiency, data storytelling with Power BI/Tableau, and advanced Excel modelling to improve profitability and resource allocation across the business.

Qualifications

• A relevant bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Cost & Management Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related qualification.
• 4 - 5 years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting, Financial Analytics, Financial Data Intelligence, or a similar finance-focused analytical role.
• Experience analysing large and complex datasets to support business performance, cost management, profitability analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to derive insights from financial and operational data and translate findings into meaningful business recommendations.
• Strong SQL capability and experience using data interrogation techniques to extract, analyse, and interpret data.
• Experience with data visualisation and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Strong analytical, modelling, problem-solving, and financial reasoning skills.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and enhance cost allocation, profitability, forecasting, and predictive models that support strategic business decisions.
• Apply analytical and data science techniques to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and performance drivers.
• Develop insights that support cost optimisation, resource allocation, and profitability improvement initiatives.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning activities.
• Translate complex financial and operational information into clear, actionable recommendations for business stakeholders.
• Partner with Finance, Analytics, Data, and Business teams to solve commercial challenges and improve decision-making.
• Drive automation, continuous improvement, and model governance practices.

Skills

SQL

Financial analytics

Financial data intelligence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Cost & Management Accounting/Business Analytics/Data Science

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Excel

Job description

FirstRand Bank Limited is seeking a Cost Accountant with strong analytics to build and refine cost and profitability models across Branch Banking. You will interrogate data, forecast costs, and translate insights into actionable guidance for leadership and operations.

The role emphasizes SQL proficiency, data storytelling with Power BI/Tableau, and advanced Excel modelling to improve profitability and resource allocation across the business.