11 Cost Managers jobs in South Africa

Project and Cost Accountant

Purpose

The purpose of a Project and Cost Accountant is to ensure accurate financial management and reporting for projects and cost-related activities within SmartStart. This role involves analysing and monitoring project costs, maintaining cost accounting systems, preparing financial reports, and providing insights on cost trends and variances. The Project and Cost Accountant is also crucial in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to support decision-making and ensure projects are within budget. Additionally, they will be responsible for managing grants and fund-related financial activities, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and preparing reports for funders. The Project and Cost Accountant contribute to effective project financial management, cost control, and accurate financial reporting to support organizational success.

Cost Accounting and Analysis

• Analyzing Hub and Franchisor operations and providing insights on trends in cost movements.
  
• Performing month-end cost accounting close.
  
• Maintaining cost accounting system and cost ledger.
  
• Performing life cycle cost-benefit and cost drivers analysis.
  
• Monitoring unit cost variance.
  
• Implementing cost standards for materials and labor.
  
• Reviewing standard costs on Sage Intacct against actual costs per invoices for inaccuracies in selling prices of finished products.
  

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Explaining deviations (comparison of budget to actual results) of Franchisors.
  
• Liaising with operational departments regarding any variances.
  
• Preparing year-end accounts and coordinating with external auditors.
  
• Carrying out the preparation of monthly, quarterly, ad hoc & year-end reporting as required by management.
  
• Assisting in the budget process, specifically the Franchisor Budgets.
  
• Ensuring appropriate external audit arrangements and managing the audit process for funder-related audits are in place.
  
• Supporting the Financial Manager in resolving audit findings relating to Franchisors and Funders before yearly audits.
  
• Attending regular meetings with project leads and operational teams.
  

Project Accounting

• Match project income and cost monthly.
  
• Generate project income and cost reports to provide a list of all the invoices generated and costs incurred per project.
  
• Analyze the data for correctness and completeness.
  
• Update the internal month-end reports, and check information to ensure that project costs remain within budget.
  
• Identify discrepancies and provide reasons for variances as part of the internal monthly management report.
  

• Produce external funding reports required per funder and per project and submit them to Financial Manager for review.
  
• Predict project cost to completion.
  
• Issue a Cost to Completion standard template to Project Leads together with guidelines to determine labor and material cost:
  

o Project hours until project completion

o Labor rates

o Material cost

o Direct Project Cost

• Complete the calculations for the total cost per project for a bi-annual review according to the required format.
  
• Set up the review meeting with Programme/Project Managers to review cost to date vs budgets.
  

Franchisor Management

• Ensure all franchisors supporting documents are checked each month, and all missing documents are noted and followed up on with franchisors.

• Liaise with franchisor finance staff and resolve all queries from above and any other general spending queries.

• Follow up on outstanding monthly submissions and ensure all submissions are in

• Ensure all documents are stored on One Drive accurately and complete.

•Process all monthly expenditures in Sage Intacct via import journals each month.

• Send out notifications to FM and CFO regarding submission status and journal status consistently to show progress, especially for the first 2 weeks of each month.

• Ensure journals processed match up to franchisor submissions.

• Request supplier invoices from all VAT-registered franchisors to be able to make payments.

• Send payment listing each franchisor and invoices above to Creditors to process payment during their payment run.

• Reconcile the 8300 accounts for each franchisor to ensure amount paid matches listing above and amount recorded matches to expense report.

Project Budget Management

• Assist in compiling the income, Opex and Capex budgets required for the projects.
  
• Liaise with the project managers to obtain input into the budgets following the overall budget guidelines, analyze and identify abnormal items or discrepancies and resolve and then pass on the information to the Financial Manager for incorporation into the overall budget.
  

Grants and Fund Management

•Support the Finance Manager in ensuring that grant/social investment funds are properly managed and accounted for

•Preparing funder reports and ensuring timeous submission thereof.

•Preparing all other financial information and documents required by funders.

• Oversee special financial audits conducted by grant maker/ funders.

Key Person Specifications

Qualifications & Experience

• CIMA or any finance professional accreditation is highly valued.
  
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Honors) with article experience
  
• 3 – 4 years’ experience in the same/similar position
  
• Experience with Sage Intacct Accounting and inventory will be advantageous.
  

Competencies

• Working with large amounts of data from various input sources, preferably in a branch or multi-location setting.
  
• Proven track record of introducing and implementing innovative systems in the workplace.
  
• Experience in start-up environments or in fast-paced, constantly changing industries.
  
• Experience in project reporting, both locally and internationally.
  
• Thorough understanding of SmartStart's business ethics and values.
  
• Familiarity with SmartStart's organizational structure and reporting hierarchy.
  
• Extensive knowledge of accounting best practices.
  
• Outstanding ability to develop project budgets, financial forecasts, and tax reports.
  
• Analytical thinker with strong conceptualization and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Attentive to detail with excellent organizational skills.
  
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
  
• Proficient in both independent work and collaboration as part of a team.
  
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration.
  

• Analyzing Hub and Franchisor operations and providing insights on trends in cost movements.
• Performing month-end cost accounting close.
• Maintaining cost accounting system and cost ledger.
• Performing life cycle cost-benefit and cost drivers analysis.
• Monitoring unit cost variance.
• Implementing cost standards for materials and labor.
• Reviewing standard costs on Sage Intacct against actual costs per invoices for inaccuracies in selling prices of finished products.

• Explaining deviations (comparison of budget to actual results) of Franchisors.
• Liaising with operational departments regarding any variances.
• Preparing year-end accounts and coordinating with external auditors.
• Carrying out the preparation of monthly, quarterly, ad hoc & year-end reporting as required by management.
• Assisting in the budget process, specifically the Franchisor Budgets.
• Ensuring appropriate external audit arrangements and managing the audit process for funder-related audits are in place.
• Supporting the Financial Manager in resolving audit findings relating to Franchisors and Funders before yearly audits.
• Attending regular meetings with project leads and operational teams.

• Match project income and cost monthly.
• Generate project income and cost reports to provide a list of all the invoices generated and costs incurred per project.
• Analyze the data for correctness and completeness.
• Update the internal month-end reports, and check information to ensure that project costs remain within budget.
• Identify discrepancies and provide reasons for variances as part of the internal monthly management report.

• Produce external funding reports required per funder and per project and submit them to Financial Manager for review.
• Predict project cost to completion.
• Issue a Cost to Completion standard template to Project Leads together with guidelines to determine labor and material cost:

• Complete the calculations for the total cost per project for a bi-annual review according to the required format.
• Set up the review meeting with Programme/Project Managers to review cost to date vs budgets.

• Assist in compiling the income, Opex and Capex budgets required for the projects.
• Liaise with the project managers to obtain input into the budgets following the overall budget guidelines, analyze and identify abnormal items or discrepancies and resolve and then pass on the information to the Financial Manager for incorporation into the overall budget.

• CIMA or any finance professional accreditation is highly valued.
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Honors) with article experience
• 3 - 4 years' experience in the same/similar position
• Experience with Sage Intacct Accounting and inventory will be advantageous.

• Working with large amounts of data from various input sources, preferably in a branch or multi-location setting.
• Proven track record of introducing and implementing innovative systems in the workplace.
• Experience in start-up environments or in fast-paced, constantly changing industries.
• Experience in project reporting, both locally and internationally.
• Thorough understanding of SmartStart's business ethics and values.
• Familiarity with SmartStart's organizational structure and reporting hierarchy.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting best practices.
• Outstanding ability to develop project budgets, financial forecasts, and tax reports.
• Analytical thinker with strong conceptualization and problem-solving abilities.
• Attentive to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Proficient in both independent work and collaboration as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration.

Due to the continued success and growth of our AESG team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award-winning Specialist Consultancy, Engineering, and Advisory Firm. We are headquartered in the UAE, KSA, UK, Singapore & South Africa, working throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering, Planning and Infrastructure, Strategy and Advisory, and Commissioning, Handover, and Asset Management. We pride ourselves on being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated teams with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable design, fire and life safety, cost management, façade engineering, commissioning, building performance, waste management, environmental consultancy, carbon management, and acoustics.

Job Description :

AESG is currently recruiting Assistant Cost Managers to join our growing cost management team based in Cape Town, to work on various large-scale building and infrastructure projects.

As an Assistant Cost Manager, you will support project leaders in delivering high standards of service, achieving successful client outcomes, sharing knowledge across projects, fostering innovation, and strengthening our reputation as a preferred service provider.

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, capable of managing multiple projects, and eager to develop their career. The role will mainly be pre-contract, with opportunities to assist on post-contract projects as needed.

This position offers the chance to work within a leading and expanding team of cost management professionals, collaborating with top architects, interior designers, and engineers, advising major industry clients.

The successful candidate should aspire to gain experience in a dedicated consultancy environment, delivering successful cost management on major projects. The role provides opportunities for progression and career development. You should demonstrate a desire to work on major projects and communicate effectively with clients, consultants, and contractors. Ideally, you will be at the beginning of your journey to build a technical and experience-based QS background, aiming to understand various design standards and develop the ability to communicate advice effectively. While an MRICS qualification is preferred, it is not mandatory for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assist with daily cost management activities across projects.
• Help prepare project cost estimates from concept through design stages using experience, historical data, and parametric ratios.
• Utilize AESG's digital tools and contribute to developing new tools for clients.
• Perform cost modeling (Excel).
• Assist with estimating and functional cost planning (CostX).
• Use measurement software, including Dimension X or CostX.
• Support value engineering exercises.
• Undertake cost management services under supervision.
• Deliver work outputs accurately and promptly under supervision.
• Support team leaders in project cost management.
• Represent the company professionally, building strong client relationships through meetings, negotiations, and correspondence.
• Provide reasoned advice on complex issues, escalating when necessary.
• Offer accurate cost advice and reporting to clients.
• Maintain effective communication for project success, liaising with managers for financial control.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all work outputs.
• Support the commercial stability of the cost management division.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of projects with high quality standards.

Essential Skills :

• Experience or desire to deliver high-quality cost management / quantity surveying services.
• Experience in a global consultancy is preferred.
• Exposure to regional projects is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modeling.
• Experience with digital cost management software.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Working towards a professional qualification (RICS or similar) or eager to do so.
• BSc, BTech, or MSc in Quantity Surveying or related field.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience.
• A team player with a positive attitude, outgoing, respectful, and adaptable.

Why join AESG?

AESG is a multidisciplinary specialist consultancy offering a unique work environment.

Our reputation for innovative thinking and project excellence includes some of the world's most exciting developments.

Our company’s success is driven by passionate, driven staff. We foster a lively, collaborative environment, offering early responsibility and clear career paths.

As an employee, you can expect :

• Opportunities to work on diverse projects with leading clients, advancing your career.
• Engagement with world-class developments and challenging projects.
• Support for professional growth through training and mentorship.
• A collaborative technical environment.
• Training opportunities tailored to your career goals.
• Focus on health and well-being, including team activities and a healthy work environment.
• Be part of a motivated team with a strong culture.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Commerce or Cost & Management Accounting (Essential)
• CA (SA) or CIMA certification (Essential)
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Finance and manufacturing, preferably in the Automotive industry
• Sound knowledge of Budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Risk management and governance knowledge

• Project Financial Management: Oversee financial aspects of manufacturing projects
• Cost Analysis: Identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure project profitability
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare and manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial plans
• Financial Reporting: Generate and present financial reports
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies
• Collaboration: Work closely with stakeholders for accurate financial tracking
• Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements

• Strong leadership skills
• Highly analytical and skilled individual
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Flexible and a team player
• Self-motivated and able to work under pressure
• Planning and organising abilities
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Strong accounting knowledge

• Lead and manage a team of Forecast Analysts and Associate Managers.
• Ensure accurate and timely delivery of payment forecasts for assigned clinical studies, with a focus on Mega and Critical studies.
• Oversee study setup, assumption sign-off, quality monitoring, periodic reporting, and study close-out.
• Provide subject matter expertise in Forecast Operations and Financial Analysis.
• Address and resolve forecast-related escalations.
• Drive continuous improvement in forecast quality, efficiency, and monitoring.
• Support business requirements gathering and user acceptance testing for Forecast Solutions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Conduct recruitment activities including resume screening and interviews.
• Support operational governance activities including compliance, quality assurance, and process documentation.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives in sales, planning, and business enablement.
  
  

• Graduate or Post-Graduate degree in Finance, Life Sciences, Statistics, Business Intelligence, Operations Research, Economics, Accounting, or related fields.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience, including people management.
• Advanced knowledge of financial forecasting and clinical trial payments.
• Experience in business intelligence, reporting, and financial analysis.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and handle escalations effectively.
  
  

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel; adept with MS PowerPoint and Word.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, transnational environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to work in a flexible and dynamic environment.
• High level of accountability, discipline, and work ethics.
• Aptitude for understanding and working with technology-based solutions.
• Ability to pass internal assessments in Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning, and English.
  
  

• Ensure that a complete unit tour is done daily and check that all is in order for your allocated airlines.
• Ensure that a complete food tasting/Chef’s Table is done weekly on all major airline accounts for the different classes.
• Ensure that a complete processing of flight check is done on all production steps dishwash / equipment storage and packing / bondstore / bar packing / plating / tray set up / supervisor's flight check / loading to the unit / aircraft loading / invoicing - once a week as a minimum on major airlines first.
• Ensure that during the daily unit tour you investigate any shortages on the complete supply chain (equipment / raw material / bar items) to report to Commercial / Production and Unit Manager, report to the General Manager if critical.
• Ensure that a complete invoicing audit is conducted on a flight per Airline from the flight check on the floor to the final invoice weekly.
• Ensure that the airline quality tracker is updated weekly.
• Ensure that a random equipment check is done regularly.
• Ensure that a spot check is done monthly on specs, ensure that the right version of specs is being used.
• Ensure that a menu change meeting is held by the 20th of the month for the next month’s menu change.
• Ensure that you schedule and meet with the station manager of each airline monthly.
• Ensure that the customer detail/contact sheet is updated regularly.
• Ensure that a price check is done with every menu change.
• Ensure that you respond to customer complaints within 48 hours of receiving it, and within 24 hours if it is critical. Further ensure that it is communicated in a professional manner.
• Ensure that all specs are sent to the customer no later than 1 week after presentation.
• Update QMS on a weekly basis with weekly reporting.
• Coordination of Charter flight setup and communication to all internal stakeholders.
• Manage simultaneous projects under tight time frames for isolated invoicing.

Qualifications

• Grade 12
• B-Degree/Diploma Customer Service Management
• Qualifications in Marketing will be an advantage
• Must be fully competent in Microsoft Office
• Driver’s Licence and own vehicle (Compulsory)
• Must be able to work weekends and Public Holidays when required.

Experience

Skills

• Communication
• Management
• Planning & Organisation
• Leadership
• Key Account Management
• Ability to attain targets
• Retain and grow client base
• Ability to gain new clients
• Time Management
• Planning & Organization
• Leadership, Key Account Management

Market Related CTC

• FMCG & Supply Management
• Food & Beverages