Assistant Cost Accountant

Job Description

THE JOB AT A GLANCE:

As the Cost Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in delivering cost transparency and financial insight across all bakeries, with a primary focus on raw material and conversion cost reporting, variance analysis, and performance tracking. This role supports decision-making by identifying cost drivers, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost recovery and waste reduction. Strong experience in plant finance, manufacturing cost accounting, and business partnering is key to success.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Raw Material & Conversion Cost Reporting:
• Consolidate and analyze actual vs standard costs for raw materials and conversion (labour, overhead, utilities) across all bakeries.
• Ensure accurate capture of usage, yield, waste, and recovery metrics.
• Monitor commodity and input price impacts on cost performance.
• Variance Analysis & Insight:
• Track cost variances (usage, price, efficiency) and develop monthly insights for bakery and finance leadership.
• Investigate key variances and recommend corrective actions to operations.
• Identify trends and develop early warning signals for cost overruns.
• Support Budgeting & Forecasting:
• Provide cost inputs into budgets and forecasts (volume, cost drivers, commodity inflation).
• Partner with operations to build cost per unit assumptions.
• Business Partnering with Supply Chain:
• Act as the finance partner to production, procurement, and inventory teams.
• Support decision-making through scenario modeling and cost-benefit analysis.
• Contribute to bakery reviews and finance deep dives.
• Operational & Financial Control:
• Validate production entries, consumption, and BOM accuracy.
• Drive inventory and WIP accuracy, loss tracking, and control processes.
• Assist with internal and external audit requirements.
• Process Improvement & Automation:
• Support implementation of improved reporting tools and automation of cost dashboards.
• Drive finance digital transformation efforts and promote data integrity.
  
  

What You Will Be Measured On

• C ost Reporting Accuracy & Timeliness:
• Timely delivery of consolidated cost reports with variance commentary Cost Visibility & Business Influence
• Actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and financial performance
• Operational & Financial Control
• Inventory accuracy, standard cost validation, and audit compliance
• Improvement & Innovation
• Development of enhanced dashboards, models, and cost monitoring tools
  
  

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• BCom Accounting / CIMA / CA(SA)
• 5–8 years total experience, with 3–5 years in a FMCG or manufacturing environment
• Prior experience managing plant costs and performance across multiple sites is beneficial
  
  

Key Attributes and Competencies

• Strategic thinking and strong problem-solving ability
• Solid cost accounting fundamentals and manufacturing process understanding
• Strong business partnering skills
• Data-driven decision making and ability to analyze large datasets
• Sound knowledge of ERP systems and cost modules (e.g., Oracle)
• Proficiency in Excel and reporting tools (Power BI advantageous)
  
  

About Us

Tiger Brands is proudly Africa’s largest listed manufacturers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). We impact lives every day with our iconic, award-winning brands. Our core business is the manufacture, market and distribute everyday branded food and beverages. Our products are relevant across every meal occasion and are well positioned to grow.

Being a food company means we’re an intimate part of everybody's daily lives and that’s why we get loud and proud about exploring further, roaring louder and growing together.

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.