Cost Accountant: MTP

TWK Agri has the following vacancy available: Cost Accountant within the MTP division at Rutland Sawmill, Mpumalanga.

Job Summary

This role involves managing and analysing cost data to support financial planning and operational efficiency within the Manufactured Timber Products (MTP) division. The successful candidate will be responsible for cost analysis, budgeting and forecasting, inventory and cost control, financial modelling, and supporting strategic decision-making across the business.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Analyse cost structures and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Prepare detailed cost reports and financial statements for management review wit
• Implement, maintain and update cost drivers (financial and non-financial) to feed into the ERP system and relevant management reporting systems
• Daily, weekly and monthly capturing of non-financial drivers into Excel/ERP system
• Knowledgeable of creating bill of materials for manufacturing products.
• Prepare manufacturing, production, and service cost analysis reports on time and that is reliable
• Compare actual costs against budgeted and standard costs and analyse variances with detailed variance explanations for deviations
• Support pricing decisions through cost-based analysis and margin evaluation
• Work closely with operations and procurement teams to validate cost assumptions and inputs
• Assist with the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis against financial goals
• Manage inventory valuation and ensure accurate cost allocation as well as accuracy of stock counts
• Implement cost control measures to minimise waste and optimise resource utilisation
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and providing insights
• Develop financial models to support strategic decision-making
• Provide management with cost-related insights and recommendations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cost management into business processes
• Provide training and support on cost accounting practices to promote continuous improvement
• Assist with implementation of ERP and/or other systems required by management
• Perform month-end cost accounting activities, including reviewing cost allocations, reconciling production and inventory-related accounts, investigating unusual movements, and ensuring cost information is complete and accurate for reporting deadlines
• Maintain and review standard costs for raw materials, labour, overheads, by-products, and finished goods, and recommend updates where cost assumptions no longer reflect operational reality
• Analyse product, customer, and production-line profitability to identify margin pressure, cost recovery gaps, and opportunities to improve commercial decision-making

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 1-3 years’ experience in cost accounting
• Experience within the timber or manufacturing of timber products sector
• Extensive and proven knowledge of cost accounting principles and practices
• Understanding of the timber and manufacturing industry and related financial dynamics
• Familiarity with accounting standards, compliance, and audit processes
• Proficiency in SAP, Oracle, Excel, Power BI, or similar accounting software and tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and provide feedback on weekly basis without requests from management
• Strategic thinking and ability to influence decision-making
• Valid driver’s license (Code 08)
• Bilingual in English and Afrikaans (advantageous)
• Willing to travel for work (including neighbouring countries)
• Position will be on site at the relevant manufacturing mill (White River)

Take the next step in your career with TWK Agri, a trusted leader in agriculture and beyond.

• The company can expire job adverts at any time at their own discretion.

**TWK Agri supports the principles of Employment Equity and reserves the right to prioritise candidates in line with our Employment Equity targets.