Cost Accountant Assistant - North

Overview

Catapult Group (Pty) Ltd invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Cost Accountant Assistant based at our Everite manufacturing operation in Kliprivier, Gauteng. The successful candidate will work closely with the Cost and Management Accountant and operational teams to provide accurate costing information and financial insights that support business decision-making.

CORE PURPOSE

The Assistant Cost Accountant is responsible for supporting the preparation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of manufacturing and departmental financial results. The role assists in maintaining costing systems, monitoring manufacturing performance, preparing financial reports, supporting budgeting processes, and ensuring the integrity of inventory and cost information to enable informed business decision-making

Duties & Responsibilities

Costing System Administration

• Maintain and support the JDE costing system and product master data.

• Assist with the creation and costing of new products, raw materials and business units.

• Support the maintenance of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing routings.

• Participate in quarterly cost updates and standard cost reviews.

• Monitor system transactions and identify costing or process discrepancies.

Manufacturing Costing and Reporting

• Prepare weekly manufacturing forecasts and performance reports.

• Analyse manufacturing cost variances and investigate abnormal results.

• Prepare monthly management accounts and segmented income statements.

• Assist with work order closure processes and inventory reconciliations.

• Support slow-moving and obsolete stock reporting .

Budgeting and Financial Performance

• Assist with the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

• Gather and analyse operational and financial data to support planning activities.

• Monitor cost performance and identify opportunities for cost control and efficiency improvements.

• Prepare transport cost reports and other management information as required.

• Participate in manufacturing, supply chain and operational review meetings.

Inventory and Reconciliations

• Perform weekly and monthly reconciliations of manufacturing and inventory accounts.

• Reconcile General Ledger and Sub-Ledger balances.

• Analyse stock adjustments, purchase price variances (PPV) and work-in-progress (WIP) accounts.

• Investigate stock-related queries and assist with stock counts.

• Ensure inventory records are accurate and aligned between physical stock and JDE records.

Operational Support

• Assist Production Clerks with production transaction processing where required.

• Support audit processes and provide information to internal and external auditors.

• Provide general finance support and participate in ad hoc projects and analyses.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).

• National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in Cost and Management Accounting, Accounting or a related field.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Minimum of 3 years' verifiable experience in a manufacturing environment , specifically within manufacturing costing.

• Experience working with an ERP system, preferably JDE (JD Edwards) .

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should demonstrate

• Sound knowledge of Cost and Financial Accounting principles.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing costing methodologies and plant processes.

• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.

• Knowledge of inventory control and financial reconciliations.

• Good understanding of Income Statements and Balance Sheets.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills

• Strong numerical and analytical ability.

• Excellent reporting and reconciliation skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and JDE.

• Ability to analyse data and identify trends, risks and opportunities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.

• High levels of integrity, accountability and professionalism.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn.

• Strong planning and organisational skills.

Interested?

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV together with copies of relevant qualifications

Indicate the name of the position in the subject line, e.g. Cost Accountant Assistant– Everite Kliprivier.