Cost and Financial Accountant (Zero-based Costing)

SUMMARY:

POSITION INFO:
If you're someone who enjoys digging beneath the surface, analysing complex cost structures, and influencing business performance through meaningful financial insight, then this opportunity could be exactly what you're looking for. Our client is a respected and established manufacturing business based in Johannesburg East, where every raw material purchase, production run, and costing decision directly impacts the bottom line. As their new Cost & Financial Accountant , you'll play a critical role in bridging operational finance and commercial strategy, ensuring accurate product costing while providing the financial intelligence needed to drive profitability and growth. This role is ideal for a finance professional who enjoys understanding the inner workings of a manufacturing environment-from the factory floor to the financial statements-and isn't afraid to question the numbers when they don't make sense. Key Responsibilities Manage and maintain accurate product costing models Conduct detailed cost analysis, variance reporting, and zero-based costing reviews Prepare month-end journals, reconciliations, and financial reports Support month-end and year-end close processes Prepare management accounts and deliver meaningful financial analysis Monitor inventory valuation and manufacturing cost performance Partner with production and operational teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve efficiencies Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities Maintain strong financial controls and support both internal and external audit requirements Provide actionable insights to support strategic business decision-making Requirements BCom Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field CIMA qualified or currently studying towards CIMA 4-5 years' experience within Cost and Financial Accounting Proven experience with zero-based costing methodologies Essential experience within a manufacturing environment Strong financial accounting and month-end reporting background SAP experience is essential SYSPRO experience will be advantageous Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities High attention to detail and the ability to influence operational decision-making through financial insight Why Apply? This is an opportunity to join a business where your work directly influences profitability, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making. You'll be more than just the person reporting the numbers-you'll be helping shape the decisions behind them. Apply today and help transform every rand spent into a smarter investment for the business. Network Finance's key niches include: Executive Finance Mainstream Finance Internal \/ IT Audit \/ GRC External Audit Actuarial Credit & Quantitative Risk Capital Markets Corporate Finance & Private Equity Tax If you have not received a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. However, your profile will be retained on our database for future opportunities that match your skills and experience. This version creates more urgency, emphasizes business impact, and positions the role as commercially strategic rather than purely transactional.