Junior Cost Accountant / Costing Clerk

JOB VACANCY: Junior Cost Accountant / Costing Clerk

Seniority Level: Mid-Career (2 - 4 yrs exp) | Type: Temp | Region: Sasolburg Freestate

You will work closely with senior accountants and project managers to ensure the accurate tracking, analysis, and reporting of project costs, playing a key role in maintaining our profitability and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Analysis & Tracking: Assist in monitoring job costs against established budgets and forecasts. Investigate and report on significant variances.
• Inventory Management: Support the valuation and reconciliation of inventory and work-in-progress (WIP) reports.
• Journal Entries: Prepare and post monthly journal entries related to cost of goods sold, overhead allocation, and inventory adjustments.
• Account Reconciliation: Perform monthly reconciliations of key balance sheet accounts, including inventory, accruals, and cost-related liability accounts.
• Reporting: Assist in the preparation of routine internal cost reports, margin analysis, and other financial statements for management review.
• Process Improvement: Help identify and implement improvements to costing processes and internal controls to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaboration: Work directly with project managers to review cost codes, ensure proper expense categorization, and provide financial insights.
• Month-End Close: Play a supportive role in the timely and accurate execution of the month-end and year-end close processes.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or Diploma
• Experience: 1-3 years of accounting experience. Experience in construction environment is a MUST.
• Technical Skills:
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIFS).
• Experience with accounting software
• Core Competencies:
• Strong Analytical Mindset: Ability to work with large datasets, identify trends, and investigate discrepancies.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy and integrity in all financial reporting.
• Eagerness to Learn: A proactive attitude with a strong desire to develop a deep understanding of construction cost accounting.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial team members.
• Organization: Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.