Cost Controller from Manufacturing

Position Overview

Our client, a well-established Engineering and Manufacturing business based in Isando, is seeking an experienced Cost Controller to join their finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring, controlling, and analysing operational and project costs, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and supporting the business with cost-saving initiatives.

• BCom Degree in Finance, Accounting, Cost Management, or related field.
• BTech Cost and Management Accounting
• Professional finance qualification advantageous.

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Cost Controller, Cost Accountant, Financial Analyst, or similar role.
• Proven experience within Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial, FMCG, or related production environments.
• Strong exposure to Import and Export costing.
• Experience dealing with foreign suppliers, freight forwarders, customs documentation, and landed cost calculations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience working on SAP
• Ideally CIMA

• Monitor and control operational, manufacturing, and project-related costs.
• Analyse cost variances and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare detailed cost reports and recommendations for management.
• Ensure accurate allocation of direct and indirect costs.
• Monitor budgets and expenditure against approved forecasts.

• Calculate and maintain accurate landed costs on imported materials and components.
• Monitor shipping, freight, customs duties, and related logistics costs.
• Reconcile import and export transactions and ensure cost accuracy.
• Work closely with procurement, logistics, and finance teams to optimise cost efficiencies.

• Prepare monthly cost reports and management reports.
• Support month-end and year-end financial processes.
• Assist with budget preparation and forecasting activities.
• Provide cost analysis to support strategic business decisions.

• Analyse inventory movements and stock variances.
• Monitor production costs and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Support inventory valuation processes.
• Assist in identifying cost-saving opportunities across operations.

• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
• Support internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and statutory requirements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent numerical and financial acumen.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach to cost optimisation.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Results-driven and able to operate in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Industry Background

We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked within:

• Engineering Manufacturing
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Heavy Engineering
• Capital Equipment Manufacturing
• Automotive Manufacturing
• Mechanical Engineering Environments
• Import and Export Driven Manufacturing Operations

Success Measures

The successful candidate will:

• Maintain accurate cost reporting and financial controls.
• Improve visibility of operational and manufacturing costs.
• Ensure accurate landed cost calculations on imported goods.
• Support profitability through effective cost management.
• Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting throughout the 12-month contract period.

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months)