Senior Financial Accountant

SUMMARY:

It's More Than Just Numbers. It's About Understanding What Drives Them.

POSITION INFO:
What impacts profitability? Where are costs increasing? Are production processes delivering the best possible value? And, most importantly, what can the numbers tell us about improving business performance? If you're a finance professional who enjoys analysing costs, investigating variances and turning financial information into meaningful commercial insights, this could be the next step in your career. Our client, a well-established manufacturing organisation based in Johannesburg East , is seeking an experienced Cost & Financial Accountant to join their finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused finance professional to play an integral role in both financial and operational performance. You'll work closely with production and operational stakeholders, providing valuable insights into product costing, manufacturing efficiencies and profitability. The role offers a blend of cost accounting, financial reporting and business partnering, making it ideal for someone who enjoys looking beyond the financial statements and understanding the operational drivers behind the numbers. Key Responsibilities Cost Accounting & Profitability Manage and maintain product costing models, ensuring accurate cost allocation and reporting. Conduct detailed cost and variance analysis across manufacturing operations. Apply zero-based costing and budgeting principles to support effective cost management. Analyse product profitability, identify margin trends and highlight opportunities for improvement. Investigate cost drivers and provide actionable recommendations to management. Financial Accounting & Reporting Prepare month-end journals, balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules. Assist with month-end and year-end reporting processes. Compile management accounts and financial reports for senior management. Maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Provide financial analysis and reporting support across the business. Inventory & Manufacturing Finance Monitor inventory valuations and manufacturing costs. Analyse production variances and key operational performance indicators. Work closely with production and operations teams to identify cost-saving opportunities. Support improved resource utilisation and manufacturing efficiencies. Ensure costing methodologies accurately reflect operational activities. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Controls Participate in budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes. Assist with developing financial models and performance forecasts. Maintain effective financial controls and ensure compliance with relevant requirements. Provide support during internal and external audits. Minimum Requirements Qualifications BCom Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline. CIMA qualification or currently studying towards CIMA. Experience Minimum 4 years' experience in Cost Accounting and Financial Accounting. Manufacturing industry experience is essential. Strong exposure to product costing, variance analysis and management reporting. Experience with zero-based costing and budgeting methodologies. Previous involvement in partnering with production and operational teams. Technical Skills SAP experience is essential. SYSPRO exposure will be advantageous. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Strong financial analysis, costing and reporting capabilities. What Will Set You Apart? The ideal candidate will be someone who: Has a strong commercial mindset and understands the relationship between operational and financial performance. Enjoys investigating figures, identifying trends and getting to the root cause of variances. Can translate complex financial information into practical business recommendations. Demonstrates excellent analytical skills and attention to detail. Communicates confidently and builds effective relationships with stakeholders. Takes initiative and actively looks for opportunities to improve processes and profitability. Is comfortable challenging assumptions and contributing to business decisions. Why Consider This Opportunity? Join an established manufacturing business where your contribution will extend beyond traditional financial reporting. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with operational teams and senior management, gain valuable commercial exposure and play a direct role in improving cost efficiencies, profitability and overall business performance. If you enjoy manufacturing finance, have a passion for costing and want to make a meaningful contribution to business performance, this opportunity is worth exploring. Apply Today! For more exciting Finance opportunities, visit: I Also Specialise in Recruiting Within: Financial Managers Financial Accountants Management Accountants Cost Accountants Financial Controllers FP&A & Commercial Finance Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) Claire Gill Recruitment Consultant 📧 Please note: If you have not received feedback within two weeks, kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will, however, remain on our database and may be considered for future suitable opportunities.