The Cost Accountant is responsible for managing, analysing, and reporting on all cost-related aspects of operations. This includes production costing, stock reconciliation, budgeting, and financial reporting to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Costing & Financial Control
Prepare and maintain accurate product and operational costing models
Analyse cost variances and provide detailed explanations and recommendations
Monitor production costs, including labour, materials, and overheads
Ensure all costs are correctly allocated to cost centres and projects
Stock & Inventory Management
Perform regular stock reconciliations (e.g. coal, raw materials, consumables)
Investigate and resolve stock variances
Work closely with operations to ensure accurate reporting of production and stock levels
Billing & Revenue Support
Prepare costing schedules to support invoicing
Assist with preparation and review of payment certificates
Ensure accuracy and completeness of sales invoices for contracting entities
Reporting & MIS
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly MIS reports for management
Provide insights on cost trends, margins, and operational performance
Support month-end close processes, including accruals and journal entries
Budgeting & Forecasting
Assist in preparation of budgets and forecasts
Track actual performance against budgets and highlight variances
Support financial planning and analysis activities
Compliance & Controls
Ensure adherence to internal controls and company policies
Support audit processes (internal and external)
Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
3 - 5 years' experience in a Cost Accounting role (mining / manufacturing preferred)
Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and inventory management
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Sage, Syspro, etc.)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Strong business acumen with an operational mindset
Advantageous
Experience in coal / mining operations
Exposure to production environments and plant costing
Knowledge of reporting tools (Power BI or similar)