Permanent - Cost Accountant - Johannesburg - South Africa

The Cost Accountant is responsible for analysing, monitoring, and controlling manufacturing costs within the manufacturing operation. The role focuses on product costing, inventory valuation, production variance analysis, and providing management with accurate financial information to support pricing, profitability analysis, and operational decision-making.

The position plays a key role in ensuring that manufacturing costs, raw material usage, labour, and overhead allocations are accurately captured and analysed to improve efficiency and profitability.

1. Product Costing and Pricing

• Prepare and maintain accurate bill of materials (BOM) costing for kitchen units and components.
• Calculate standard cost per product including materials, labour, and manufacturing overheads.
• Assist sales and management with pricing models and profitability analysis.
• Review and update costing structures as input costs change.

2. Manufacturing Cost Control

• Monitor raw material consumption and production costs.
• Analyse manufacturing variances between standard cost and actual production cost.
• Investigate production inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Work closely with production managers to control manufacturing costs.

3. Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory costing and valuation.
• Monitor stock levels and identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
• Reconcile inventory movements between production, warehouse and finance systems.
• Participate in monthly stock counts and inventory reconciliations.

4. Production and Operational Reporting

• Prepare weekly and monthly manufacturing cost reports.
• Analyse production performance and cost drivers.
• Provide insights into cost per project, job, or kitchen unit produced.
• Assist management in identifying opportunities for cost reduction.

5. Financial Support and Reporting

• Assist with monthly management accounts related to production costs.
• Ensure accurate cost allocation of labour and overheads.
• Support budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing operations.
• Assist with year-end audit requirements related to inventory and cost accounting.

6. Systems and Process Improvement

• Improve costing systems and manufacturing reporting processes.
• Support integration between production systems and accounting software.
• Assist with implementation of cost control procedures and internal controls.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Cost Accounting, Finance, or Management Accounting
• CIMA (studying or completed)
• SAIPA / SAICA articles completed (advantageous but not essential)
• 3-5 years' experience in cost accounting
• Experience in manufacturing or production environment

Experience with:

• Bill of materials costing
• Inventory accounting
• Production variance analysis
• Standard costing systems

Advantageous:

• Experience in furniture, cabinetry, kitchen manufacturing, or construction manufacturing

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong cost accounting and financial analysis skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and costing structures

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work with production teams and operational managers
• Strong reporting and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Working Environment

• Office and factory floor interaction
• Regular engagement with production, procurement, and warehouse teams
• Require involvement in stock counts and production reviews