Cost Accountant

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Isando, Johannesburg
Salary Range: R60,000 – R70,000 per month CTC, includes Medical Aid and Pension Fund
Reports to: Finance Manager

Company Overview:

Our client, a well-established and rapidly growing organization based in Isando, Johannesburg, is seeking a Cost Accountant to join their dynamic finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and detail-oriented professional to make a significant impact within a fast-paced and forward-thinking company.

Position Overview:

As the Cost Accountant, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of cost accounting within the organization. You will play a crucial role in analyzing cost structures, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and driving efficiencies to improve overall cost management. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or production environment, and a proven ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Management & Analysis:
  • Oversee the cost accounting function, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of production costs, including direct labor, raw materials, and overhead.
  • Analyze and report on cost variances, identifying the causes and suggesting corrective actions to management.
  • Monitor and review cost allocations to ensure compliance with budgeting standards and internal control procedures.
  • Update and maintain standard costing models for inventory, labor, and overhead costs.
• Financial Reporting:
  • Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports to senior management, highlighting key trends and insights on cost behavior and profitability.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to support the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial planning.
  • Ensure accurate accounting and reporting of inventory, including stock reconciliation and valuation.
• Process Improvement & Efficiency:
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and contribute to process improvements across the production and supply chain functions.
  • Work closely with operational teams to provide financial insights aimed at improving production efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior cost accounting staff.
  • Collaborate with other departments, including operations, procurement, and sales, to improve cost visibility and reporting accuracy.
• Compliance & Audit:
  • Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and company policies.
  • Ensure that all cost accounting practices comply with relevant accounting standards and company procedures.

Key Requirements:

• Educational Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (essential).
  • Professional qualification such as CIMA, CA(SA), or equivalent (highly preferred).

• Experience & Expertise:

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in cost accounting or a similar financial role, with a strong focus on manufacturing or production environments.
  • Proven track record of cost analysis, variance reporting, and financial forecasting.
  • In-depth knowledge of costing systems, inventory management, and budgeting processes.
  • Previous experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Syspro, or similar).

• Skills & Competencies:

  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial software.
  • Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in financial data analysis.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Personal Attributes:

  • Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
  • High level of integrity and confidentiality.
  • Team-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Additional Information:

• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Location: Based in Isando, Johannesburg. The candidate must be willing to commute or relocate to the area.
• Reports to: Finance Manager.

If you are an experienced Cost Accountant looking for an exciting challenge in a progressive environment, we invite you to apply and become part of a growing team that values accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration.

This specification ensures that your client’s expectations and the key details of the role are clearly conveyed. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!