Costing Manager at Unique Personnel

Job Purpose:

• To lead and manage the costing function across all manufacturing and supply chain units by establishing, maintaining, and enhancing accurate standard cost systems and financial controls. The role is critical in supporting operational efficiency, profitability, and strategic decision-making through reliable costing data, insightful variance analysis, proactive cost management, and accurate forecasting. The Costing Manager will also play a key role in developing cost-related policies, managing compliance, supporting CAPEX evaluations, coordinating stock counts, and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive financial performance.

Key Job Output:

Costing and Standard Cost Maintenance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain accurate standard costing systems for materials, labour, and overheads
• Ensure complete and accurate bills of material (BOMs) exist for every manufactured product
• Maintain and review standard costs for all material components, with timely updates in the ERP system
• Ensure costing records are aligned with operational and financial data

Variance Analysis and Cost Reporting:

• Monitor, analyse, and report on production cost variances and usage deviations
• Identify root causes for variances and work with operations to recommend corrective actions
• Review and present actual vs. standard cost performance reports monthly to stakeholders

New Product Costing & Budgeting:

• Compile and review costing packs for new products, including projected costs and margin analysis
• Collaborate with product development and operations teams for accurate cost estimates
• Prepare annual costing budgets and submit revised standard costs to the Costing Committee for approval

Production Cost Control & Performance Review:

• Ensure full disclosure of production costs and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Review monthly production expenditure and submit accurate management reports
• Conduct post-season reviews and provide insights to optimise cost structures

CAPEX Management:

• Participate in the evaluation and financial analysis of capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects
• Ensure CAPEX proposals include accurate cost-benefit analyses, ROI, and payback calculations
• Monitor actual CAPEX spending against approved budgets and report on variances
• Stock Counts (Year-End and Half-Year-End)
• Oversee and coordinate physical stock counts at year-end and half-yearend
• Ensure compliance with financial control procedures during stocktaking processes
• Investigate and resolve stock variances and ensure accurate valuation in financial statements

Internal Controls & Compliance:

• Establish and maintain internal controls for costing activities and reporting accuracy
• Ensure all costing-related reconciliations are reviewed and approved
• Conduct periodic audits and reviews of costing data integrity and system compliance

Stakeholder Collaboration & Support:

• Provide strategic costing advice and support to Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to support financial planning and decision-making
• Assist in special costing projects, feasibility studies, and ad hoc analysis requests

Forecasting:

• Develop and maintain rolling cost forecasts in collaboration with Finance and Operations teams
• Provide accurate projections of production and overhead costs to support business planning
• Analyse trends in cost drivers to anticipate financial risks or opportunities

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and manage the costing team, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and performance management
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to build internal capability and ensure service delivery standards
• Ensure the team is well-informed of policies, costing principles, and company standards

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Inherent Requirements    
Required Learning:

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or CIMA qualified (essential)
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Cost & Management Accounting, or Finance (minimum requirement)
• Postgraduate qualification in Finance, Business Management, or related field (advantageous)
• Continuous professional development in cost accounting, ERP systems, and manufacturing finance (recommended)

Required Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a cost accounting role within a manufacturing or supply chain environment
• At least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory position, leading costing or finance teams
• Proven experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and budgeting
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in working with integrated ERP systems
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory costing, and production operations

Core Competencies:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and solid command of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to analyse complex data and present financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Experience in internal controls, audit support, and compliance in a manufacturing setting
• Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing sites as required
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Strong understanding of cost behaviour, cost drivers, and the impact on profitability