Financial & Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Optimum Consulting

  • Own cost accounting, variance analysis, and inventory valuation in manufacturing
  • Partner with production and supply chain to turn cost data into decisions
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and month-end reporting in a hands-on finance role

About The Role

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll be responsible for maintaining standard cost models, performing cost roll-ups in the ERP system, and delivering detailed variance analysis across materials, labour, and overhead. Month-end you'll produce COGS analysis, gross margin reports, and plant-level profitability summaries — and you'll present your findings directly to operations and finance leadership.

Beyond the numbers, you'll be the go-to finance partner for plant managers and production supervisors, helping them understand costs and make better decisions. You'll also take a lead role in the annual budget process and maintain the rolling forecast for all manufacturing cost lines.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Maintaining and reviewing standard cost models, including materials, labour, and overhead allocations
  • Analysing manufacturing cost variances and delivering clear monthly commentary to operational and finance stakeholders
  • Overseeing inventory accounting, fixed asset management, and ERP cost accounting modules
  • Supporting the annual budget and monthly rolling forecast for all manufacturing cost centres
  • Preparing balance sheet reconciliations, working papers for external audit, and management reporting packs
  • Identifying process improvement opportunities and contributing to reporting tools and dashboards

What We're Looking For

  • CA or CPA qualification
  • Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis
  • Experience with ERP systems and cost accounting modules
  • High proficiency in Excel, including financial modelling and data analysis
  • Experience in mining, resources, chemicals, or heavy manufacturing is highly regarded, as is familiarity with bill of materials (BOM) structures and production routings