Cost Accountant

Reference: HQ001248-Tasmi-1

Job Title: Cost Accountant

Department: Finance

Location: Durban

Employment Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Stratogo is a professional recruitment and workforce solutions company specializing in sourcing and placing top talent across various industries.

Our client, a well-established FMCG manufacturing organisation, is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join their finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full costing and financial control function, providing accurate financial reporting, supporting operational decision-making, and driving financial performance across the manufacturing environment.

This role requires close collaboration with production, procurement, planning, sales, and finance teams to ensure accurate cost allocation, financial compliance, and insightful reporting that supports business growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Costing & Financial Control

• Manage and oversee the full costing function within the manufacturing environment.
• Monitor and analyse manufacturing costs, stock movements, work-in-progress (WIP), and inventory provisions.
• Calculate and maintain product costing models and transfer pricing structures.
• Analyse variances between budget, forecast, and actual results, providing detailed explanations and recommendations.
• Review pricing structures and investigate invoicing discrepancies where required.
• Provide financial insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Financial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Prepare and review monthly reconciliations of key balance sheet and profit and loss accounts.
• Ensure all reconciliations are supported by relevant documentation and reviewed within prescribed timelines.
• Prepare, analyse, and interpret monthly management accounts.
• Submit accurate financial reports to management within strict reporting deadlines.
• Prepare monthly cash flow forecasts and monitor cash flow performance.
• Ensure debtor, creditor, bank, and cash control accounts reconcile accurately to supporting sub-ledgers.
• Maintain fixed asset registers and ensure alignment with general ledger control accounts.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Assist with the preparation and consolidation of annual budgets.
• Prepare weekly forecasts and flash reports.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast expectations.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Support management with financial modelling and business performance evaluations.

Stock & Inventory Management

• Maintain oversight of stock, work-in-progress (WIP), and inventory provisions.
• Ensure inventory valuations are accurate and aligned with accounting standards.
• Support stock reconciliations and investigate inventory variances.
• Work closely with operational teams to improve inventory control and cost management.

Compliance, Audit & Governance

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and corporate control frameworks.
• Assist internal and external auditors during annual audit processes.
• Prepare supporting documentation and schedules for audit requirements.
• Ensure financial controls are maintained and continuously improved.
• Submit statutory and statistical reports, including monthly and quarterly reporting requirements.

Stakeholder Support

• Provide financial support and guidance to operational management teams.
• Review creditor reconciliations and payment requests to ensure accuracy and legitimacy.
• Assist with supplier-related financial queries and reconciliations.
• Support payroll-related financial queries where required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to improve reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

Minimum Requirements

• BCom, BTech, or equivalent qualification in Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant within a manufacturing environment (essential).
• FMCG manufacturing experience will be highly advantageous.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Syspro, SAP, or similar.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong understanding of costing principles, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience preparing and interpreting management accounts.
• Knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, and audit requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Skills & Competencies

• Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Management Accounting
• Inventory & WIP Control
• Variance Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• ERP Systems (Syspro, SAP or Similar)
• Advanced Excel
• Critical Thinking
• Analytical & Investigative Skills
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy
• Problem Solving
• Active Listening
• Written & Verbal Communication
• Time Management & Deadline Driven
• Stakeholder Management

What is on Offer

• Competitive market-related remuneration package.
• Opportunity to join a respected FMCG manufacturing organisation.
• Exposure to a dynamic and fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Opportunity to contribute to strategic financial decision-making and operational improvement.

How to Apply

Send CV: ***email_hidden***

Please ensure the job title "Cost Accountant" is reflected in the subject line of your email application.

Note: If you do not receive a response within three weeks of submitting your application, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

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