SUMMARY:
A reputable and well-established agricultural company with diverse farming and livestock operations is seeking a skilled Cost Accountant to support accurate cost analysis, financial control and operational decision-making across its agricultural operations.
POSITION INFO:
The Cost Accountant will be responsible for the accurate preparation, processing, monitoring, and reconciliation of costings relating to local and imported cattle procurement for the feedlot.
The role is primarily focused on ensuring that cattle purchase costs, supplier payments, transport costs, import-related costs, customs charges, and other procurement-related expenses are correctly recorded, allocated, processed, and reconciled. Cattle costings will be prepared and maintained in Excel, requiring strong spreadsheet skills, while Sage Evolution and cattle management software will be used to process, record, and support the related financial and cattle procurement transactions.
This position requires a detail-oriented and analytical individual who is able to work accurately, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced cattle procurement environment.
Qualification and experience requirements:
- BCom Degree in Accounting or a relevant financial qualification appropriate to cost accounting.
- Previous cost accounting experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong Excel skills are essential, including the ability to work accurately with spreadsheets, formulas, reconciliations, and costing calculations.
- Working knowledge of Sage/Pastel Evolution and cattle management software is advantageous.
Roles and responsibilities:
- Prepare, process, and maintain accurate Excel-based costings for cattle procured for the feedlot.
- Capture and process cattle procurement costings accurately in SAGE Evolution and the cattle management software after costings have been prepared and reviewed in Excel.
- Ensure that supplier invoices, cattle purchase documentation, and all related supporting documentation are accurately matched, verified, processed, and filed.
- Process supplier payments relating to cattle purchases and associated procurement costs, and follow up on outstanding payment matters where required.
- Monitor cattle procurement costs, including purchase price, transport, commissions, third party charges, imports, customs, and other related expenses.
- Prepare and monitor costings relating to imported cattle, including import documentation, customs charges, clearing costs, transport, and other related import expenses.
- Reconcile cattle costings and supplier accounts to ensure accurate cost allocation, supplier balances, and payment processing.
- Identify, investigate, and report cost variances, discrepancies, or missing information to the relevant finance or procurement personnel.
- Maintain complete and accurate costing records and prepare costing reports as required.
- Liaise professionally with suppliers, transporters, procurement personnel, and internal finance teams to resolve costing, documentation, and payment queries.
- Support the improvement of cattle costing processes, system accuracy, and related administrative procedures.
- Perform any other reasonable duties as delegated by line management in support of the finance and cattle procurement functions.
