Cost Accountant

SUMMARY:
Bilnor Staffing Solutions' client in the engineering sector is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant for position in Germiston, GP.  South African citizens and those living in the area will have preference.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

• ND Financial Accounting/Finance / Degree in Accounting or related
• Professional qualification (advantageous), e.g. CIMA

• 3-5+ years, experience in manufacturing environment / ERP system -Syspro OR Similar

• Main Task/Inputs
• Expected results/Outputs
• Costing & Manufacturing Finance
• Lead the end-to-end costing of axles and wheelsets across multiple cost centres using zero-based and standard costing methodologies
• Maintain and continuously update Bills of Materials (BOMs) to ensure costing accuracy
• Conduct detailed variance analysis (actual vs standard) and provide actionable insights to management
• Analyse material, labour, and overhead costs to identify inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
• Partner with operations to improve cost per unit and production efficiency
• Financial Control & Month-End Processes

• Monthly sub-ledger closures on Syspro
• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Review and approve manual journal entries to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Ensure completeness, accuracy, and integrity of financial records and reporting
• VAT compliance in terms of tax invoice and VAT registration numbers
• Supplier statements reconciled before payments are made
• Reconciliation of balance sheet accounts

• Approve purchase orders within delegated authority limits
• Ensure procurement aligns with budget constraints and cost control policies
• Monitor input costs and supplier pricing trends, particularly raw materials (e.g. steel)
• Asset & CAPEX Management
• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset register in line with accounting standards
• Ensure all CAPEX approvals, documentation, and asset tagging are properly managed
• Monitor asset utilisation, movement, and lifecycle management

• Oversee the Financial Accountant in the review of:
• Weekly and monthly payroll/wage calculations
• Ensure payroll costs are accurately recorded and allocated
• Utilities & Overheads Monitoring
• Maintain and update monthly utilities cost schedules (electricity, water, gas)
• Analyse trends and provide recommendations to improve cost efficiency
• Tax & Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns
• Ensure timely and accurate tax payments and compliance with applicable regulations

• Manage the costing and receipting of raw materials, including steel
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost allocation
• Monitor material usage, price fluctuations, and supplier performance

• Review and sign off creditors’ reconciliations
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of accounts payable balances
• Strengthen internal controls and mitigate financial risk

• Support external audit processes, including preparation of audit schedules
• Respond to audit queries and ensure timely resolution of findings
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, policies, and governance frameworks

• Perform additional duties as reasonably required by management
• Contribute to financial improvement initiatives, cost optimisation projects, and business strategy