JOB VACANCY: Junior Cost Accountant / Costing Clerk

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

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Cost Accountant with a strong financial background to support our project costing and financial reporting functions. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or a professional with 1-3 years of experience to develop expertise in the construction industry. 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: Bachelor’s 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.