Cost & Management Accountant

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking a driven and detail-oriented Cost and Management Accountant to support operational financial performance within an agricultural and agri-processing environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving cost visibility, improving financial efficiency, and supporting decision-making across operational business units.

POSITION INFO:
Our client is a leading diversified agricultural services and food value chain business operating across South Africa. The organisation is known for its strong operational footprint, integrated supply chain model, and focus on sustainability and efficiency across agri-processing, storage, and trading operations.

Reporting to senior finance leadership, the Cost and Management Accountant will be responsible for full cost accounting, management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial support across operational divisions. The role requires strong analytical capability, commercial awareness, and the ability to partner closely with operational teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparation and analysis of monthly management accounts, including variance reporting and commentary on financial performance
• Full cost accounting function, including product costing, margin analysis, and operational cost tracking
• Preparation and maintenance of standard costing models across business units
• Budgeting and rolling forecast preparation in collaboration with operational and commercial teams
• Monitoring and reporting on operational expenditure, identifying cost drivers and areas of inefficiency
• Preparation of financial reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for management decision-making
• Analysis of gross margins, product profitability, and cost-to-serve metrics
• Assistance with month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals, and reconciliations
• Support for inventory valuation, stock reconciliations, and movement analysis
• Liaison with operations, procurement, and production teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and reporting
• Support audit processes and ensure compliance with internal financial controls and policies

• 3–5 years’ experience in a Cost and Management Accounting role
• Experience within agriculture, FMCG, manufacturing, or agri-processing environments advantageous
• Strong exposure to standard costing, variance analysis, and operational reporting
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Solid understanding of inventory management, stock valuation, and cost control principles
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a commercial mindset
• Advanced Excel skills (pivots, lookups, financial modelling, and reporting essential)
• Experience working on ERP systems (SAP or similar advantageous)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with operational teams
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline-driven performance
• Proactive, hands-on approach with strong business partnering capability

• Financial Manager
• Group Finance Manager
• Financial Director
• Group Accountant
• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Cost Accountant
• Financial Controller
• Bookkeeper