Senior Cost Accountant — Manufacturing FP&A Partner

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

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.