Cost Accountant

Role Overview

The Cost Accountant will be responsible for overseeing all financial and cost-related activities across Ladurée’s South African sites. This role ensures accurate daily reporting, effective stock management, and proactive cost control. The incumbent will act as the financial custodian of store-level operations, providing insights into profitability, auditing processes, and supporting management with menu costing and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Daily Figures

• Monitor and consolidate daily store sales and expense reports across all Ladurée sites.
• Ensure accuracy of daily figures, reconciliations, and timely submission to management.
• Identify discrepancies in reporting and resolve with store managers.

Stock & Inventory Management

• Oversee stock movement in and out of all stores (including tearoom, coffee shops, karts, and laboratory).
• Track wastage, shrinkage, and variances in line with standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate with procurement and operations to ensure proper cost allocation and efficiency.

Auditing & Compliance

• Conduct routine audits of financial records, stock transactions, and store cash reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies.
• Flag potential risks or irregularities to senior management.

Menu & Costing

• Manage recipe costing, menu pricing, and profitability analysis across Ladurée’s product range.
• Collaborate with chefs, procurement, and operations to maintain cost efficiencies while ensuring product quality.
• Update and maintain the costing database in line with market fluctuations (ingredients, imports, currency changes).

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly and quarterly cost analysis reports with recommendations for efficiency improvements.
• Provide insights on store-level profitability, margins, and variances.
• Support management with ad hoc analysis for decision-making.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Professional accounting certification (CIMA/SAIPA/SAICA) preferred.
• 3–5 years’ experience in cost accounting, preferably in retail, hospitality, or F&B sectors.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, cost control, and financial analysis.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Xero ,Oracle Micros and MS Excel (advanced).
• Experience in stock management systems (POS integration an advantage).
• Knowledge of IFRS for SMEs and local tax/VAT compliance.

Soft Skills

• High attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with store managers and chefs.
• Ability to work under pressure across multiple sites.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to be part of Ladurée’s world-renowned luxury brand in South Africa.
• Exposure to multi-site operations within the hospitality and retail sector.
• Growth prospects within a dynamic and expanding business environment.

Work Location: In person