Cost Accounting Manager

SUMMARY:
Well known medical / healthcare manufacturer requires a Costing Manager to join their team in Johannesburg. Chartered Accountant or CIMA qualified is essential.

POSITION INFO:
Purpose of the role
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.

Required learning:
Chartered Accountant or CIMA qualified (essential)
Bachelors degree in accounting, cost & management accounting or finance
Postgraduate qualification is finance, business management, or related field (advantage)
Minimum 5 years experience in cost accounting role within a manufacturing or supply chain environment
At least 2 years managerial or supervisory experience

Required experience:
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 process, inventory costing and production operations
Experience in internal controls, audit support and compliance in a manufacturing setting

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