We are seeking a highly analytical, self-motivated and experienced Cost Accountant to support operational and strategic decision making within our operational entities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong and well-rounded accounting and costing background to be able to bridge the gap between financial accounting and operational analysis. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining product and service costing models, supporting operational efficiency initiatives and capital investment decisions, and contributing to accounting, budgeting and tax functions as required.

The position is ideally suited to a qualified professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can work independently to develop a deep understanding of the group’s operational processes and production activities with limited supervision. The Cost Accountant will work closely with operational teams and the finance manager to establish performance benchmarks, monitor results, investigate variances and to provide actionable recommendations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Cost and Management Accounting.

• Post-qualification experience in a Cost Accountant or Management Accountant role.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience within a manufacturing, production, engineering, mining, or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing cost structures.
• Proven experience with:
  • Product costing and cost analysis.
  • Tax compliance and taxation calculations.
  • Budgeting and forecasting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP and accounting systems.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.

 

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Profitability Analysis

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve accurate product costing models.
• Review and validate cost assumptions and allocation methodologies to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Ensure costing methodologies remain aligned with financial accounting records and reporting requirement.
• Analyse operational and financial information to establish meaningful performance benchmarks and standards.
• Develop KPIs for production, maintenance, logistics, asset utilization, profitability and cost management.
• Monitor actual performance against established benchmarks and targets.
• Identify inefficiencies, excessive waste and improvement opportunities through detailed analysis.

• Conduct profitability analysis by product and division.

• Assist management with cost reduction initiatives and operational efficiency projects.

 

Financial and Management Accounting

• Assist with monthly management accounts and financial analysis.
• Analyse financial results and provide insights into business performance and profitability.
• Assist in maintaining strong financial controls and compliance with accounting policies and procedures.

 

Financial Forecasting and Acquistion Support

• Assist with preparation of annual budgets and related variance analysis.
• Provide recommendations to improve financial performance.
• Analyse historical operational and financial data to identify trends and forecast future performance.
• Develop financial models to support business valuations and acquisition assessments.
• Support due diligence processes through financial and operational analysis.

 

Taxation and Compliance Support

• Assist with tax related calculations, reconciliations and compliance requirements.
• Assist with corporate income tax requirements, including supporting the preparation and submission of statutory returns where required.
• Maintain awareness of tax legislation and its impact on business operations to ensure compliance with applicable tax legislation and financial regulations.
• Assist with SARS- related queries and information requests.
• Assist with preparation of year end audit working papers for both income tax and deferred tax calculations when required.

 

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Self-starter with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Inquiring and able to gain a detailed understanding of operational processes and cost drivers.
• Strong investigative, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and accountability.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and reporting skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Results-driven with strong organisational skills.
• Strong commercial accumen with the ability to balance operational realities and financial requirements.

 

Advantageous Experience

The following will be considered advantageous:

• Experience in manufacturing, quarrying, engineering, construction materials, mining, or heavy industrial operations.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Exposure to capital expenditure analysis and project costing.
• Knowledge of inventory optimisation and working capital management.
• Experience implementing financial controls and business process improvements.
• Experience with Power BI or financial dashboard reporting.
• Practical experience in South African tax compliance and taxation calculations for companies and trusts.
• Experience preparing, reviewing and submitting tax returns via SARS efiling including income tax, provisional tax and trust tax submissions.