Our client is looking for an experienced Cost Accountant to join their Finance team. This role is responsible for providing costing and financial support to the manufacturing operation by assisting with product costing, inventory control, cost reporting, ERP data maintenance, and month-end finance activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate financial information, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting compliance with company policies and financial reporting requirements.
Reporting to the Plant Controller, this position works closely with Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other operational teams to provide meaningful financial insights that support business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Product Costing & Inventory Control
Maintain standard costing information for raw materials, labour, and manufacturing overheads.
Prepare costing schedules and reports for management review.
Assist with inventory valuation and quarterly cost roll-ups.
Support annual and interim stock counts, reconciliations, and inventory reporting.
Verify Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routing accuracy within the ERP system.
Prepare import cost files and submit summaries for SAP updates.
Review monthly stock count completeness across all company sites.
Coordinate and support factory stock counts with the Planning team.
Investigate stock variances and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare inventory and stock count reports for management.
Cost Control & Variance Analysis
Prepare material, labour, and overhead variance reports.
Investigate routine cost variances and escalate significant issues where necessary.
Analyse production data to identify cost trends and opportunities for improvement.
Monitor scrap, rework, and yield losses, reporting on trends and performance.
Compile daily scrap reports and participate in scrap review meetings.
Prepare monthly lead balancing reports, including scrap reconciliation.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and communicate recommendations to management.
Provide accurate costing information to Production and Engineering teams to support operational decision-making.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Assist in preparing manufacturing budgets and rolling forecasts.
Analyse budget versus actual results and investigate significant deviations.
Update cost assumptions based on operational changes.
Support scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.
ERP & Data Integrity
Maintain costing master data, Bills of Materials, routings, and overhead rates within SAP.
Validate production and inventory transactions to ensure data accuracy.
Identify, investigate, and resolve costing and master data discrepancies.
Maintain Material Master information relating to transaction processing.
Support ERP enhancements, system upgrades, and user acceptance testing.
Document costing processes and procedures.
Provide first-line support to users on SAP costing and transaction queries.
Ensure costing documentation is maintained and audit-ready.
Operational Finance Support
Provide financial and costing information to support operational decision-making.
Assist with cost impact analyses for process improvements and operational changes.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Six Sigma projects.
Prepare and present costing and operational reports for management.
Support finance and factory projects as required.
Monitor scanning processes, liaise with factory system users, and report issues requiring corrective action.
Build effective relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders.
Attend operational meetings and provide financial support where required.
Assist with APDP audit requirements and related finance queries.
Perform ad hoc costing and finance duties as requested by management.
Key Performance Areas
Product costing and inventory accuracy
Cost control and variance analysis
Budgeting and forecasting support
ERP data integrity and master data maintenance
Cross-functional finance and operational support
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
BCom in Accounting or Cost & Management Accounting (NQF 6) is essential.
Studying towards CIMA will be advantageous.
Experience
3 - 7 years' experience in a manufacturing or factory finance environment.
Proven experience in:
Cost accounting
Inventory valuation
Variance analysis
ERP systems within a manufacturing environment
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles.
Sound understanding of IFRS, particularly IAS 2 (Inventories).
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
SAP FI and MM experience (or similar ERP systems).
Good understanding of manufacturing processes.
Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong communication and reporting skills.
The ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
Sound judgement and a high level of integrity.
The ability to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Strong relationship-building skills.
A customer-focused approach.