Job Purpose
To execute the costing function within the organization, ensuring accurate, transparent, and efficient cost management across all business sectors. The Senior Costing Accountant will apply costing models, monitor production and procurement costs, perform profitability analysis, and provide cost-based insights to support pricing and management decisions.
Key Responsibilities
1. System Implementation & Process Execution
- Assist in the documentation and refinement of costing policies, procedures, and reporting formats.
- Apply and maintain standard costing systems and robust cost control mechanisms.
- Coordinate with Finance, Procurement, Production, and Sales departments to ensure accurate and timely data collection.
- Maintain and update the cost database for raw materials, printing, binding, packaging, logistics, and resale operations.
2. Costing & Advanced Analysis
- Prepare detailed cost sheets for books and resold titles.
- Calculate and analyze costs of production, distribution, and sales for each SKU/title.
- Identify cost drivers, inefficiencies, and recommend actionable cost-saving opportunities.
- Conduct thorough variance analysis (standard vs. actual costs) and report findings to management.
- Support pricing decisions by providing cost-based insights and detailed margin analysis.
3. Budgeting & Forecasting Support
- Provide accurate cost data to assist in the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Monitor cost performance against budget and forecast trends, reporting deviations.
- Prepare cost projections for new titles, reprints, and special projects as requested.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with editorial, production, procurement, and sales teams to understand operational impacts on cost.
- Coordinate with suppliers and printers to validate cost structures.
- Support the finance department in product profitability analysis and management reporting.
- Maintain dashboards and reports on cost performance and profitability for review by senior management.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.
- Deep understanding of costing principles (standard, activity-based, and marginal costing).
- Knowledge of publishing, printing, or manufacturing cost structures is highly preferred.
- Advanced Excel and ERP system proficiency (MS D365 preferred).
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and proven ability to handle large data sets.
- Good communication and presentation skills.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce (mandatory).
- Professional certification preferred (CMA / ACCA / CPA / CA).
- 37 years of progressive experience in costing or financial analysis, preferably in manufacturing, publishing, or related industries.
- Proven experience operating as a Cost Accountant or Senior Cost Accountant.
