Cost & Operations Accountant

Description Overview: The Cost & Operations Accountant is responsible for managing product costing, manufacturing financial analysis, inventory accounting, operational performance reporting, and financial controls within a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The role works closely with Production, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, and Finance teams to ensure accurate costing, inventory valuation, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry regulations and accounting standards. The incumbent will provide financial insights that support profitability, manufacturing optimization, cost reduction initiatives, and strategic decision-making while maintaining strong governance over inventory and production accounting processes. Minimum Requirements: • Grade 12 / Matric • Bachelor's Degree in: Accounting / Finance / Cost and Management Accounting • 3--5 years' experience in a costing, manufacturing finance, or management accounting role. • Experience within: Pharmaceutical / FMCG manufacturing industries Job Responsibilities: Cost Accounting & Product Costing • Develop, maintain, and review standard costs for raw materials, packaging components, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. • Calculate and analyze product costs, manufacturing variances, and gross margins across product portfolios. • Conduct bill of materials (BOM) and routing cost reviews to ensure costing accuracy. Monitor and analyze • Material usage variances • Yield variances • Manufacturing overhead variances • Support new product development by providing cost modelling and profitability analysis. • Evaluate pricing strategies through detailed cost and margin analysis. Inventory Accounting & Control • Manage inventory valuation and reconciliation of raw materials, packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods. • Ensure accurate inventory costing in compliance with IFRS and company policies. • Oversee monthly inventory reconciliations between ERP systems and general ledger accounts. • Participate in cycle counts and annual stock-take processes. • Investigate inventory discrepancies, stock losses, obsolescence, and expired inventory. • Monitor inventory provisions and assist in managing inventory optimization initiatives. Manufacturing Finance & Operations Support • Partner with production teams to monitor manufacturing performance and cost efficiency. • Analyze production yields, batch performance, waste, scrap, and rework costs. • Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings. • Assist in evaluating capital expenditure projects and manufacturing investments. Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting • Prepare annual manufacturing budgets and operational forecasts • Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts. • Conduct variance analysis and provide actionable recommendations. • Support month-end and year-end financial reporting activities. • Assist in developing financial models and scenario analyses. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management • Ensure adherence to internal controls, accounting policies, and financial governance requirements. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): • Inventory accuracy levels • Cost variance management • Gross margin performance • Manufacturing cost reduction initiatives • Stock provision management • Budget and forecast accuracy • Month-end reporting deadlines achieved • Effectiveness of internal controls • Operational efficiency improvements implemented