Cost Accountant, Durbanville, WCape

• Our client has a vacancy for a Cost Accountant for a permanent role, based in Durbanville, Western Cape.

Applicants are required to strictly meet the following criteria

• Grade 12 with B.Degree in Accounting or Cost Accounting. Post qualification experience in a Cost / Management Accountant role
• 3+ years' experience within a manufacturing, production, engineering or mining environment
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing cost structures.
• Proven experience with: Product costing/ cost analysis; Tax compliance, taxation calculations, budgeting
• Inquiring and able to gain a detailed understanding of operational processes and cost drivers
• Strong communication and reporting skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organisation
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance operational realities and financial requirements
• Advanced MS Excel skills and experience with ERP and accounting systems
• Advantageous in addition to above – exposure to capital expenditure and project costing; inventory optimisation knowledge; financial control implantation; Power BI experience; experience in tax compliance; experience submitting SARS returns including various taxes
• Annual shut down during Dec/Jan builders holiday for annual leave
• Valid drivers, own transport and fluency in Afrikaans & English
• Working hours : Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm, Friday 8am – 3pm
• Must be willing to handle a fast-paced manufacturing environment and able to work independently

The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:

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 requirements
• Analyse operational/financial information to establish meaningful performance benchmarks & 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 Acquisition 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