Senior Cost Accountant

Watchmaker Genomics; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Watchmaker Genomics, a global life science company with a facility in Cape Town, seeks a Senior Cost Accountant based onsite in Saltriver. You will lead the cost accounting function, drive manufacturing cost analysis, and partner with Operations to improve margins and profitability.

The role requires a CIMA or equivalent qualification with at least 7 years in manufacturing, and a strong track record in cost modelling, FP&A support, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Cost accounting experience in manufacturing is required.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional partnering skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and oversee the Cost Accounting function, including inventory valuation and month-end processes.
• Review costing outputs and variances prepared by junior staff.
• Lead manufacturing cost and variance analysis to improve efficiency.
• Develop and maintain product cost models across materials, labor, overhead, and yield.
• Provide costing support through product lifecycle from R&D to production.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Operations and Quality to inform decisions.
• Lead FP&A support with forecasts, budgeting, and scenario analyses.
• Prepare management reporting on COGS, inventory and variances with commentary.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing environment

Analytical skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Cost optimization

Education

CIMA or similar qualification

Tools

Epicor

Job description

Position: Senior Cost Accountant

Position Type: Fulltime

Department: Finance

Location: Saltriver, Cape Town (Onsite)

Experience: CIMA or similar qualification with minimum 7 years related experience within manufacturing

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company based in Boulder, Colorado with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor. We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development, and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Position Description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time Senior Cost Accountant position based in Cape Town, South Africa. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success.

Responsibilities

• Own and oversee the Cost Accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely costing, inventory valuation, manufacturing variances and month‑end cost accounting processes.
• Review and approve key costing, inventory reconciliations, variance analyses and cost accounting outputs prepared by the Junior Cost Accountant.
• Lead manufacturing cost and variance analysis, identifying key drivers, trends and opportunities to improve cost efficiency and operational performance.
• Develop, maintain and improve product cost models, including material, labour, overhead absorption, yield, batch size and manufacturing cost assumptions.
• Provide costing support throughout the product lifecycle, from R&D handover and new product introduction through to commercial production and product optimisation.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D and Quality to provide financial insight, challenge cost drivers and support operational decision‑making.
• Act as a key Finance business partner to operational leaders, translating financial and costing information into actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, margins and profitability.
• Lead the preparation and analysis of manufacturing and operational forecasts, including COGS, inventory, labour, overheads and other cost drivers.
• Support the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial planning, providing cost assumptions, operational inputs, scenario analysis and financial modelling.
• Provide Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) support through monthly performance reviews, forecasting, budget‑versus‑actual analysis, trend analysis and identification of key financial risks and opportunities.
• Prepare and present meaningful management reporting on COGS, manufacturing performance, inventory, product costs and operational variances, providing commentary on key drivers and recommended actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across costing, inventory and financial processes, including optimisation of Epicor, improved reporting, automation and strengthening of financial controls.
• Support the Director of Finance, Operations with strategic financial analysis, business cases, investment decisions, cost‑reduction initiatives, scenario modelling and other operational finance projects.

Please note: The above is not exhaustive and similar additional duties may be required from time to time.

Skills And Requirements

• Cost Accounting experience within a manufacturing environment a must.
• Excellent organisational skills, meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within predetermined deadlines and under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and business partnering skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and influence decision‑making.
• Excellent communication skills, with a high level of self‑motivation, initiative and the ability to translate financial information into meaningful business insights.
• A creative, commercially focused and disciplined approach to problem‑solving, financial planning and continuous improvement.

Education: CIMA or similar qualification with minimum 7 years related experience. Manufacturing experience would be beneficial.

Equal Opportunity

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if they are currently eligible to work in South Africa. South African citizens are preferred.

This position may be subject to pre‑employment checks, including driving history check, credit check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre‑employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.