Cost Accountant

Job Title

Cost Accountant

Location

Brackenfell

Reports To

Managing Director

Job Purpose

To provide accurate and timely cost accounting, financial reporting, and commercial support to a niche manufacturing business. The role will focus on product costing, margin analysis, and management reporting, while also supporting VAT compliance, client quotations, and customer-facing financial communication.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Financial Control

• Develop and maintain product costing models for components and bespoke builds.
• Monitor material, labour, and overhead costs; investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support pricing strategy through margin analysis and cost optimisation.
• Maintain cost allocation methods and ensure consistent application across production.

Management Accounts & Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow.
• Produce budget vs. actual analyses with clear commentary.
• Assist with annual budgeting and rolling forecasts.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support commercial decisions.

VAT & Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with VAT regulations relevant to manufacturing and sales.
• Maintain audit-ready financial records and documentation.

Client Quotations & Commercial Support

• Prepare detailed and accurate quotations for clients based on build specifications.
• Liaise with sales and production teams to ensure pricing reflects true build costs.
• Review quotation profitability and flag margin risks.

Client Communication

• Act as a point of contact for financial queries from clients.
• Explain quotations, pricing, and cost breakdowns in a clear and professional manner.
• Build positive working relationships with clients through effective communication.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical & Professional

• Proven experience as a Cost Accountant, ideally in manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong understanding of product costing, variance analysis, and margin management.
• Experience producing monthly management accounts.
• Experience preparing and submitting VAT returns.
• Experience producing commercial quotations or pricing models.
• Proficiency in accounting software (preferably Quickbooks) and Excel.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.

Personal & Interpersonal

• Outgoing, friendly personality with strong client-facing communication skills.
• Confident communicator, able to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Commercially minded with a practical, solution-oriented approach.
• Well-organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.

Desirable Qualifications

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified (or equivalent).
• Experience within the automotive, leisure vehicle, or manufacturing sectors.
• Experience working in a growing or owner-managed business environment.

Working Environment

• Office-based with regular interaction with production, sales, and management teams.
• Involvement in both operational and commercial aspects of the business.
• Opportunity to influence pricing, profitability, and business growth.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.

To Apply:

• Please clink on the Apply button or;
• Visit our vacancy tab at https://talentsupport.co.za/find-a-career/