Finance Manager - Costing

Finance Manager - Costing

Recruiter: Empire Recruitment

Job Ref: JHB000115/Trin

Date posted: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Salary: 900000 Annually

SUMMARY: Take ownership of the cost function and make an impact at senior level. An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Finance Manager: Costing to take full ownership of the South African cost function within a large, operationally intensive environment.

Reporting directly to the CFO , this role will act as the CFO’s second-in-command on the cost and payables side , providing strong financial control while partnering closely with operational teams to drive cost discipline and accountability.

The Opportunity You will take ownership of the cost base across multiple business units and cost centres, ensuring that costs are accurately recorded, controlled and understood. This is a hands-on leadership role combining cost and management accounting, accounts payable, GL review, accruals and business partnering .

You will also lead and develop the Accounts Payable and Creditors team, while deputising for the CFO on the cost and payables function.

POSITION INFO: Key Responsibilities Own the South African cost base across all cost centres and business units. Review the GL monthly, ensuring cost completeness, accuracy and correct classification. Analyse and explain cost movements by business unit. Oversee the full Accounts Payable and Creditors function. Ensure effective three-way matching and strong payment controls. Manage creditor and supplier statement reconciliations. Oversee AP ageing and payment runs. Take ownership of month-end accruals, provisions and clean cut-off. Monitor spend against budget and challenge cost variances. Partner with operational teams to drive cost discipline and accountability. Ensure adherence to financial controls and delegation of authority. Support month-end close and audit requirements. Lead, mentor and develop the AP/Creditors team. Deputise for the CFO on the cost and payables side. What We're Looking For CA(SA), CIMA or BCom Honours with a strong costing and payables background. Proven experience within Accounts Payable/Creditors , preferably in a high-volume environment. Strong cost and management accounting experience. Solid GL, month-end, accrual and reconciliation experience. Experience taking ownership of a cost base rather than purely processing transactions. Strong commercial acumen and the confidence to challenge operational stakeholders. Previous team management experience would be advantageous. Strong Excel and systems capability. Logistics, courier, distribution or another high-volume, multi-site environment would be highly advantageous , particularly where you have exposure to subcontractor, fleet, owner-driver or similar operational cost models.