Cost Accountant

To manage and analyse the organisation’s cost structure, budgets, expenses, and financial data to ensure effective cost control, accurate reporting, and improved financial efficiency across schools, campuses, departments, and projects.

Key Responsibilities1. Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain detailed cost sheets for various activities, departments, campuses, and projects.
• Analyse direct and indirect costs and identify major cost drivers.
• Monitor actual costs against budgets and approved allocations.
• Analyse variances and provide explanations and corrective recommendations.
• Support management in identifying opportunities for cost optimisation.

2. Budgeting & Cost Control

• Assist in preparing annual budgets for schools, departments, and projects.
• Monitor monthly budget utilisation and expenditure.
• Track deviations from approved budgets and highlight significant variations.
• Ensure expenses are incurred within approved budgets and policies.
• Develop cost-control measures to minimise unnecessary expenditure.

3. Financial & Management Reporting

• Prepare monthly cost reports and management MIS.
• Provide department-wise and campus-wise cost analysis.
• Prepare expense trend reports and variance analysis.
• Support management with financial data for decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation for all cost calculations.

4. Procurement & Expense Analysis

• Analyse procurement costs for stationery, uniforms, books, transport, food, infrastructure, maintenance, and other school requirements.
• Compare vendor quotations and historical purchase prices.
• Support the Finance/Procurement team in evaluating cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor recurring expenses and identify areas for savings.
• Assist in vendor cost analysis and contract review.

5. Payroll & Operational Cost Analysis

• Analyse employee-related costs department-wise and campus-wise.
• Support payroll cost analysis and manpower budgeting.
• Analyse overtime, incentives, allowances, and other employee-related expenses.
• Prepare manpower cost reports for management review.

6. Inventory & Stock Costing

• Monitor inventory valuation and consumption costs.
• Analyse stock movement and identify slow-moving or excess inventory.
• Coordinate with Stores and Accounts teams for accurate inventory records.
• Support periodic stock verification and reconciliation.

7. Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure proper documentation and classification of expenses.
• Identify unusual expenditure patterns and report discrepancies.
• Assist in internal and statutory audits by providing required cost-related information.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, organisational policies, and financial procedures.

8. MIS & Management Support

• Develop Excel-based dashboards and cost-analysis reports.
• Provide management with data-driven insights on operational expenses.
• Support feasibility studies for new campuses, projects, facilities, and major purchases.
• Prepare cost-benefit analysis for proposed investments and initiatives.
• Perform other financial analysis assigned by the Finance Head/Management.

Required Qualifications

• B.Com / M.Com / CMA (Cost & Management Accountant) / ICWA or equivalent qualification.
• Candidates pursuing CMA may also be considered based on experience.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.

Experience

• 3–7 years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, Finance, or MIS.
• Experience in education, schools, institutions, multi-branch organisations, or service-sector organisations will be an advantage.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of Cost Accounting and Management Accounting.
• Excellent MS Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of Tally / ERP / accounting software.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Budget preparation and variance analysis.
• MIS and management reporting.
• Good documentation and reconciliation skills.
• Ability to analyse large volumes of financial data.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and coordination skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy of cost reports and MIS.
• Timely submission of monthly cost reports.
• Budget versus actual variance control.
• Identification of cost-saving opportunities.
• Accuracy of inventory and expense costing.
• Timely completion of reconciliations.
• Reduction in avoidable operational expenses.
• Compliance with financial policies and audit requirements.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Strong analytical mindset with a practical approach to cost control.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with multiple departments.
• Comfortable handling multi-campus financial data.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to present financial information clearly to management.
• Proactive in identifying cost inefficiencies and recommending improvements.

Pay: ₹45,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person