Cost Accountant at Unique Personnel

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Management & Analysis:

• Oversee the cost accounting function, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of production costs, including direct labour, raw materials, packaging and overhead.
• Analyze and report on cost variances, identifying the causes and suggesting corrective actions to management.
• Monitor and review cost allocations to ensure compliance with budgeting standards and internal control procedures.
• Investigate low GP sales orders, labour and overhead recoveries review
• Update and maintain standard costing models for inventory, labour, and overhead costs.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports to senior management, highlighting key trends and insights on cost behaviour and profitability.
• Collaborate with the finance team to support the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial planning.
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting of inventory, including stock reconciliation and valuation.

Process Improvement & Efficiency:

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and highlight cost drivers.
• Recommend ways of reducing scrap rates and assist with monthly stock takes.
• Work closely with operational teams to provide financial insights aimed at improving production efficiency and minimizing waste.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other departments, including operations, procurement, and sales, to improve cost visibility and reporting accuracy.

Compliance & Audit:

• Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and company policies.
• Ensure that all cost accounting practices comply with relevant accounting standards and company procedures.

Inherent Requirements    

• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience in cost accounting or a similar financial role, with a strong focus on manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• Experience with BOMs, variance analysis and financial forecasting
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in financial data analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of costing systems, inventory management, and budgeting processes.
• Previous experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Sage, SAP, Syspro, or similar).