Cost Accountant at Shoprite Group of Companies

Purpose of the Job    

• The Cost Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate costing, financial control, and reporting across all production units, including fresh meat processing, frozen products, and value-added/processed items (e.g., polony, viennas, bacon, mince, marinated products). 
• The role ensures integrity of production costs, stock, yields, variances, and consumption data to support profitability, operational efficiency, and compliance with internal controls and food-manufacturing standards. 
• "Our Group and all its operating companies are committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included."

Job Objectives    

Costing & Production Finance 

• Maintain and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all products across Fresh, Processed and CPM departments. 
• Validate standard costs, including raw materials, ingredients, packaging, labour, and overhead allocations. 
• Monitor and analyse actual vs standard cost variances, including:  
• Raw material usage 
• Yield losses 
• Waste and trimmings 
• Rework and WIP variances 
• Work closely with Production Managers to investigate and resolve discrepancies.  

Inventory & Stock Control 

• Oversee accurate daily, weekly and month end stock reconciliations for raw materials, WIP and finished goods. 
• Verify and reconcile production run sheets, consumption records, and stock movement reports. 
• Analyse yield performance per product line (e.g., deboning, mincing, tumbling, cooking, slicing). 
• Ensure accurate allocation of stock to departments and stores, including frozen, dry, and raw materials stores. 
• Support cycle counts and full stock counts; investigate stock variances and recommend corrective action. 

Month End Responsibilities 

• Prepare and post accruals, provisions, cost allocations, and production costing journals. 
• Maintain and reconcile the General Ledger for all production related accounts. 
• Calculate month end inventory valuations (RM, WIP, FG) in line with TBMC policy. 
• Prepare monthly manufacturing financial reports, including:  
• Gross margin by product line 
• Yield & variance analysis 
• Cost of poor quality (COPQ) 
• Waste/scrap reporting 

Debtors & Creditors Support (Manufacturing Related) 

• Verify supplier invoices for accuracy of cost allocations (ingredients, raw materials, PPE, packaging, consumables). 
• Monitor recovery income and internal charges between Fresh, Processed and CPM units. 
• Assist with debtor invoicing where internal or external charges apply. 

Operational Reporting & Business Partnering 

• Provide finance support to Production, Planning, Maintenance, Engineering and Quality teams. 
• Participate in daily/weekly operational meetings to present cost, yield and variance insights. 
• Identify cost saving opportunities and efficiency improvements. 
• Support CAPEX feasibility calculations and post implementation reviews. 

Compliance & Internal Controls 

Ensure adherence to:  

• Food manufacturing financial controls 
• HACCP linked stock handling controls (e.g., traceability, waste recording, batch tracking) 
• Company policies, IFRS, and audit requirements 
• Support internal and external audits with accurate documentation and reconciliations. 

Qualifications    

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, or equivalent (NQF 7).  
• CIMA, SAIPA, or similar certification advantageous. 

Experience:

• 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing or FMCG environment (meat processing preferred). 

Knowledge and Skills    

KEY COMPETENCIES:  

Technical Competencies 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures. 
• Advanced Excel; ERP costing modules; stock/production systems and SAP. 
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles, IFRS, and inventory management. 
• Analytical ability with excellent attention to detail. 

Behavioural Competencies 

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking 
• Planning and organising 
• Relationship building and collaboration 
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced production environment 
• High levels of integrity 
• Clear written and verbal communication