About the role
The Cost Accountant will oversee comprehensive cost management, analysis, and reporting enhancing commercial decision-making. This role will involve maintaining precise product, channel, and market costing, spearheading cost of goods sold (COGS) and margin evaluations, and collaborating with commercial teams to drive profitability through cost optimization, pricing strategies, and variance assessments. The position is instrumental in converting operational and sales data into strategic financial insights for leadership.
The position encompasses a broad spectrum of duties and responsibilities, including the execution of key operational tasks, management of team workflows, and ensuring adherence to established protocols. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional departments to drive project milestones, identifying process improvements to enhance efficiency, and maintaining accurate documentation of all activities. The individual is expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities, and contribute to the overall strategic objectives of the organization.
Analyzes and manages cost structures and unit economics to ensure financial viability and operational efficiency. Evaluates pricing strategies, cost drivers, and profitability metrics while identifying opportunities for optimization. Develops and maintains financial models to forecast expenses, revenues, and margins, supporting data-driven decision-making. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement cost-saving initiatives and enhance financial performance. Requires proficiency in financial analysis, Excel, and preferably ERP systems, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Prepare and refine unit economics for all Electric markets and sales channels, including PAGO, B2B, B2C, and country activations.
Accurately maintain standard costs for all Electric Business Unit (BU) Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) and components.
Conduct comparative assessments of standard versus actual costs, highlighting the primary factors contributing to cost variances.
Prepare comprehensive assessments of landed costs, production expenses, and market-specific expenditures for emerging markets and new product ventures.
Prepares accurate COGS, COM, and inventory reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing financial data to ensure compliance with accounting standards and support decision-making processes.
Compile monthly and quarterly Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and Cost of Goods Manufactured (COM) reports to present to leadership for evaluation and strategic decision-making.
Validate inventory transactions, adjustments, valuations, and consumption pertaining to Electric stoves.
Accurately calculate the cost of accessories, spare parts, and product configurations tailored to specific markets.
Analyze production and distribution cost trends to identify key risk areas and provide strategic recommendations for mitigation.
Responsible for developing and maintaining budgets, preparing financial forecasts, and conducting detailed variance analysis to assess performance against established targets.
Collaborate with Finance and Electric leadership to facilitate the annual budgeting process and conduct monthly forecasting activities.
Examine discrepancies in costs across various countries, channels, product lines, and operational processes.
Track Electric-related OPEX, logistics costs, distribution costs, warranty/service costs, and field-related expenses.
Compile comprehensive cost variance reports at both the country and channel levels, ensuring accurate financial data analysis and presentation.
Conducting comprehensive profitability assessments and delivering strategic cost insights from the core responsibilities of this role, enabling data-driven decision-making to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency.
Conduct in-depth profitability and contribution margin assessments for all Electric markets.
To develop profitability reports across countries, products, and channels, enabling data-driven pricing decisions and shaping strategic commercial initiatives.
Deliver strategic cost analysis and recommendations to the Senior Director and Finance Director, facilitating informed decisions on expansion initiatives, pricing adjustments, product modifications, and operational strategies.
Develop comprehensive cost analyses to support Electric’s executive leadership in making informed decisions during strategic planning and review sessions.
We provide assistance across all electric markets to ensure seamless operations and reliable service delivery. Our team is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs and challenges that arise in various electric market segments, offering expert guidance and solutions. Whether navigating regulatory frameworks, optimizing market strategies, or resolving operational issues, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and compliance. Our goal is to empower clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive electric market landscape.
Deliver comprehensive costing, pricing, profitability, and variance analysis to all Electric markets, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and prospective new markets.
Validate cost inputs specific to each country, including freight, warehousing, deployment, distribution, duties, and any adjustments to landed costs.
Collaborate closely with international teams to uphold uniform costing protocols and maintain accurate financial records.
To tailor unit economics and profitability models to align with the distinct conditions of each market, refine these frameworks accordingly.
We provide strategic guidance and act as trusted business partners to drive organizational success. This role collaborates closely with senior leadership to align business objectives with operational strategies, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable growth. Key responsibilities include identifying opportunities for innovation, fostering cross-functional alignment, and optimizing performance through data-driven insights. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a proven track record in business transformation. Proficiency in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and change leadership is essential, along with the capacity to influence executive-level discussions.
Provide strategic analytical support and financial expertise to the Senior Director – Electric Business, assisting in the development of cost models and evaluating business cases, expansion opportunities, and commercial strategies.
Develop comprehensive cost analyses tailored for executive presentations, pricing evaluations, and strategic market deliberations to support informed decision-making.
Collaborate closely with Finance, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to enhance financial decision-making processes within the Electric Business Unit.
Lead costing components of new product launches, supplier transitions, and cost optimization initiatives.
We are seeking a Cost Control & Continuous Improvement professional to oversee financial vigilance and operational enhancements within our organization. The ideal candidate will meticulously monitor expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement strategies to optimize resource allocation. Additionally, they will drive continuous improvement initiatives, analyze performance data, and propose actionable solutions to enhance efficiency and profitability. Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and process optimization is essential, along with strong problem-solving and leadership skills. Experience in lean methodologies or Six Sigma is highly desirable. The role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of accountability and innovation.
Explore avenues to optimize expenditures in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, distribution, and commercial functions.
Strengthen internal controls governing Electric costing processes and ensure inventory accuracy.
Drive efforts to enhance costing precision, enforce process rigor, and accelerate reporting turnaround times.
Establish and oversee Electric-specific cost accounting best practices, alongside the development and implementation of comprehensive SOPs.
Responsible for supervising and advancing the skills of junior cost accountants, ensuring accurate financial reporting and adherence to accounting standards.
Oversee and guide the Junior Cost Accountant, maintaining precision, adherence to regulations, and superior analytical performance.
Conduct thorough reviews of all reconciliations, cost allocations, reports, and variance analyses prepared by junior team members.
Direct oversight of workload prioritization, strategic capacity planning, and structured professional growth initiatives is required.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable metrics that assess the effectiveness and success of specific activities or processes within the organization. They serve as critical benchmarks to evaluate performance against predefined targets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. These indicators may include quantitative measures such as sales revenue, customer acquisition rates, operational efficiency, or employee productivity, depending on the role’s focus. Regular monitoring and analysis of KPIs enable data-driven decision-making, facilitate continuous improvement, and support accountability across teams. Additionally, KPIs help identify areas requiring attention or optimization to enhance overall business performance and sustainability.
Ensures the precision of cost reports and the accurate valuation of inventory.
Oversee budget performance by tracking and analyzing financial discrepancies between planned and actual expenditures to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Identify variances, assess their causes, and recommend corrective actions to maintain fiscal discipline. Collaborate with department heads to gather data, interpret financial reports, and implement strategies for optimizing resource allocation. Prepare detailed variance analyzes and present findings to stakeholders to support informed decision-making. Ensure compliance with budgetary policies and procedures while fostering transparency in financial reporting.
Cost reduction initiatives have yielded measurable savings, driving operational efficiency and financial performance improvements. Through strategic analysis and implementation of cost-saving measures, tangible results have been achieved, enhancing overall organizational profitability.
Ensures the timely preparation and submission of financial reports in accordance with established deadlines and regulatory requirements. Maintains accuracy and completeness in financial documentation to support decision-making and compliance efforts. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to gather necessary data and resolve discrepancies efficiently. Monitors reporting schedules and proactively addresses potential delays to uphold organizational financial transparency and accountability.
Inventory reconciliation accuracy is crucial to maintaining precise financial records and ensuring operational efficiency. This role demands meticulous attention to detail to identify and resolve discrepancies between physical stock levels and recorded data. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in inventory management software, and the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines. Responsibilities include conducting regular audits, reconciling discrepancies, and generating comprehensive reports to support data-driven decision-making. Accuracy in this position directly impacts inventory control, cost management, and overall organizational productivity.
Provide assistance in implementing strategies aimed at enhancing financial performance and profitability, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational efficiency.
COGS, COM, and inventory performance are critical financial and operational metrics that provide visibility into production costs, manufacturing efficiency, and stock management. These metrics help identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize production schedules, and ensure accurate financial reporting. A deep understanding of inventory valuation, cost allocation, and production processes is essential to analyze variances, reduce waste, and improve profitability. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in accounting principles, and the ability to interpret complex data are required to effectively track and improve these performance indicators. Additionally, experience with ERP systems and financial software is beneficial for seamless data integration and reporting.
Maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and security of data, systems, and controls is paramount to ensuring compliance and operational excellence. This role involves overseeing the integrity of data processes, implementing robust control mechanisms, and managing integrated systems to safeguard against errors, breaches, or inconsistencies. Responsibilities include establishing and enforcing data governance policies, conducting regular audits, and validating system integrity to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to address vulnerabilities, optimize workflows, and enhance overall data quality across the organization. Candidates should possess expertise in data management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, along with proficiency in relevant tools and frameworks to support these critical functions.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record in relevant methodologies, tools, or frameworks, along with substantial hands-on experience in the specified domain. The ideal applicant will demonstrate expertise through prior roles, certifications, or specialized training, ensuring alignment with the position’s core competencies. Additionally, familiarity with industry best practices, problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to continuous learning are highly valued. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams are essential for success in this role.
Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline.
A recognized professional certification, such as CPA, ARCA, or CMA, would be advantageous.
Seeking candidates with three to five years of experience in cost accounting, ideally within a commercial or distribution setting.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of inventory management principles and costing methodologies.
Demonstrated expertise in utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and advanced functions in Microsoft Excel is essential.
Proven expertise in developing and managing budgets, creating accurate financial forecasts, and conducting comprehensive financial analysis is required.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
