Cost Accountant; Cato Ridge Job Hillcrest South Africa,Accounting

Position: Cost Accountant (Cato Ridge)
Location: Hillcrest

Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Cato Ridge
Industry: Manufacturing / Operations

Our client is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to manage and optimise product and operational costing processes within a manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for standard costing, inventory valuation, cost analysis, reporting, and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, or Finance.
Professional qualification such as CIMA is advantageous.
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting or a manufacturing or operations finance environment.
Strong knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Purchase Price Variance (PPV).
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, including Syspro and Power BI.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
High attention to detail with the ability to interpret financial and operational data.

Skills & Competencies:

Strong analytical and numerical skills
Excellent understanding of cost accounting principles (standard costing, variance analysis, Bom, PPV)
Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems ( Syspro, power BI)
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to interpret financial and operational data
Good communication and stakeholder management skills
Problem-solving mindset with commercial awareness

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain standard costing systems for products and operations.
Analyse actual costs against standard costs and investigate variances.
Review production yields and waste when required.
Prepare cost, margin, and profitability reports.
Monitor inventory valuation and ensure accurate costing of finished and intermediate products.
Support month-end and year-end processes, including journals and reconciliations.
Collaborate with procurement, production, logistics, and finance teams to ensure accurate cost allocation.
Analyse manufacturing efficiencies and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Review and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and production processes.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and audit requirements.
Support budgeting and forecasting activities.