Senior Cost Accountant – VKB Milling, Mokopane

VKB Group; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Job summary

VKB Group is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to own cost accounting across two milling sites and travel between Lydenburg and Mokopane. You will partner with plant management to drive efficiency, lead a small on-site finance team, and turn data into actionable insights for budgeting and forecasting.

The role emphasizes cost optimization, controls enhancement, and close collaboration with non-financial stakeholders to support profitable operations across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CIMA-qualified or near completion or extensive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing/production environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial mindset.
• Ability to engage with non-financial stakeholders and drive practical solutions.
• Leadership experience or readiness to step into a leadership role.
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites; valid driver’s licence and own vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of cost accounting across two milling sites.
• Partner with plant management to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Lead and develop a small finance team of assistant accountants and inventory controllers on-site.
• Turn data into insights that drive real business decisions.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Strengthen controls and improve financial processes.

Skills

Cost accounting

Analytical

Leadership

Navision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Navision

Job description

Company: VKB Group

Location: Limpopo

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is a leading agricultural enterprise, deeply rooted in the rural heartland of South Africa. Guided by more than a century of trust and innovation, VKB provides essential support and services to farmers while delivering high-quality, farm-produced food products to consumers.

Our operations span the entire agricultural value chain — from input supply and primary production to processing, logistics, and market access. Through our regional brands VKB, GWK, and NTK, we continue to grow a resilient and future-focused agri-business that contributes to food security, economic development, and community empowerment.

Built on the trust of our farmer-shareholders and the dedication of our people, VKB remains committed to sustainable progress and the development of South Africa’s agricultural sector.

More about VKB Milling

VKB Milling (Pty) Ltd is one of four subsidiaries of VKB Agri Processors (Pty) Ltd, the agri-processing division of the VKB Group.

VKB Milling operates white maize mills in Mokopane (Limpopo) and Mashishing (Mpumalanga), a wheat mill in Frankfort (Free State), as well as a maize mill in Christiana and a wheat mill in Modderrivier (Northern Cape).

About the Role

This role sits at the heart of large-scale milling operations, where your work will directly influence plant performance, cost efficiency, and business decisions. You will partner closely with operations, challenge cost assumptions, and help drive smarter, more profitable outcomes across multiple sites.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Cost Accountant to take ownership of cost accounting across Lydenburg and Mokopane, with frequent travel between sites.

Why this role?

• Operational influence – work directly with plant teams and management
• Multi-site responsibility – broaden your experience across two key production sites
• Leadership opportunity – manage and develop a small finance team
• Impactful work – your insights will drive real cost efficiencies and operational decisions
• Strategic influence – play a key role in cost optimisation and decision-making

What you’ll be doing?

• Take ownership of cost accounting across two milling sites
• Partner with plant management to improve efficiencies and reduce costs
• Lead and develop a small finance team of assistant accountants and inventory controllers on-site
• Turn data into insights that drive real business decisions
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Strengthen controls and improve financial processes

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CIMA-qualified or near completion or extensive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing/production environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial mindset
• Ability to engage with non-financial stakeholders and drive practical solutions
• Leadership experience or readiness to step into a leadership role
• Willingness to travel regularly between sites; valid driver’s licence and own vehicle

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Office
• Experience with Navision will be advantageous

Our Values

• Humble – We listen, respect, and learn
• Hungry – We pursue excellence and growth
• Smart – We apply knowledge with sound judgment
• Bold – We act with courage and conviction
• Team Players – We succeed together

Why you’ll enjoy this role

• Influence real outcomes – a strategic role with hands-on impact
• Multi-site exposure – prepares you for senior finance leadership
• Contribute to South Africa’s agricultural and food production sector
• Join a stable, forward-thinking organisation with long-term career opportunities

If you want a role where your expertise is valued, your insights influence operations, and your growth is supported—this is the opportunity to step into operational finance leadership.

Additional Information

The company can expire jobs at any time at their own discretion.

VKB Group and/or its subsidiary companies will use any personal data collected through the job opportunities section of this website for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected with your employment.

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Group’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Group’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.