First Cost Accountant / Cost Accountant Specialist
Industry Sector
Accounting and Finance (Frozen Fruit Factory)
Job title of the direct supervisor
Financial Manager / Cost Accounting Manager

General purpose of the job

Monitor and analyze all costs related to the frozen fruit manufacturing process (from receipt of raw materials to the final product), control production variances and waste, and provide accurate financial reports to support pricing decisions and protect the factory's profit margins.


Job duties and responsibilities

Calculation of full product cost: calculate the actual cost per kilogram/ton of frozen fruit including (raw material, packaging materials, and carton).
Monitoring and handling waste (Yield Analysis): track loss and spoilage rates in the stages (sorting, peeling, deseaming, cutting) and analyze their financial impact on the final product cost.
Allocation of indirect manufacturing costs: allocate energy expenses (electricity and water for the IQF quick-freezing tunnel and storage freezers) and machinery maintenance to production lines accurately.
Variance Analysis: periodically compare actual costs with standard (target) costs and determine causes of variances (whether in quantities or prices).
Inventory evaluation and control: periodic supervision of stock counts of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods in freezers, and applying the approved valuation policy (usually FIFO).
Preparing SKU profitability reports: prepare periodic reports showing the cost and profitability of each fruit SKU (strawberry, mango, pomegranate, guava, etc.) separately.
Updating the costing system: review and update product cost formulas and BOMs in the ERP system based on market price changes for crops.

Qualifications and required experience

Educational qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). Specialization or diploma in Cost Accounting is an added advantage.
Experience: 5 to 8 years of practical work experience as a cost accountant (prior experience in food, juice, or frozen foods factories is required).
Professional certifications: CMA certification or equivalent preferred, but not mandatory.
Technical and personal skills

Understanding of food manufacturing nature: thorough knowledge of refrigeration chains, harvest seasons, and raw material shelf life.
Proficiency in software: very strong experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Odoo), specifically the costing and warehousing modules.
Advanced Excel skills: ability to build complex cost models and use advanced formulas and Pivot Tables.
Accuracy and strong observation: high ability to detect small discrepancies in stock quantities and fruit weights before and after manufacturing.
Problem solving and communication: ability to effectively communicate with production and warehouse managers to resolve stock discrepancy issues and waste.