Lead Management Accountant

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career progression

Leadership development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Management Accountant for a Durban-based manufacturing group. The role drives cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis to support strategic business decisions.

Office-based with a focus on collaboration across finance and operations, you will mentor a team and streamline reporting to deliver actionable insights. A senior leader with strong Excel and ERP skills is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• A professional qualification such as CIMA, ACCA, or CA(SA) is essential.
• 8+ years of experience in management accounting, with 3+ years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Experience in budget management, forecasting, and cost accounting in manufacturing.
• Expertise in financial modeling and ERP proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain managing accounting systems and processes.
• Oversee preparation of detailed management accounts with variance analysis and commentary.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning cycles.
• Conduct cost analyses, profitability studies, and pricing strategies.
• Provide financial support and business partnering to operations.

Skills

Budget management

Forecasting

Cost accounting

Financial modeling

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance

CIMA/ACCA/CA(SA) qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing sector, is actively searching for a dynamic Lead Management Accountant to join their esteemed finance department based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This senior position is instrumental in driving financial strategy and operational efficiency. The Lead Management Accountant will be responsible for providing critical insights into cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis to support key business decisions. This role requires a forward-thinking individual with a strong understanding of business operations and a passion for leveraging financial data to optimize profitability. As the role is office-based, we are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative, on-site team environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate within a well-established organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain management accounting systems and processes.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning cycles for the organization.
• Conduct in-depth cost analysis, profitability studies, and pricing strategies.
• Provide financial support and business partnering to various operational departments.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive business performance.
• Manage and mentor a team of management accountants and financial analysts.
• Streamline financial reporting to ensure timely and accurate delivery of actionable insights.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• A professional qualification such as CIMA, ACCA, or CA(SA) is essential.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in management accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and cost accounting within a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Expertise in financial modeling and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Exceptional analytical skills with a strong business acumen.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to drive change and implement improvements in financial processes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Generous medical aid and provident fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge financial tools and technologies.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a reputable industry leader.
• Annual performance reviews with clear career progression pathways.