Job Title: Commercial Analyst (Cost Accountant)Location: Cape TownDepartment: FinanceReports To: Senior Finance ManagerJob Summary:The Commercial Analyst will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and profitability of the company's travel itineraries. This position involves detailed analysis and costing of tour packages, ongoing monitoring of itinerary profitability, and providing actionable insights to enhance financial performance. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of cost accounting, and experience in the travel or tour operating industry.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain a detailed costing model for all tour packages, including accommodation, transportation, activities, meals, and other travel-related expenses.Collaborate with product managers, sales teams, and suppliers to gather accurate and up-to-date cost information.Ensure that all costs are correctly allocated and that the pricing strategy is aligned with company objectives.Profitability Analysis:Monitor the profitability of itineraries on an ongoing basis, identifying any deviations from expected margins.Conduct variance analysis to compare actual costs against budgeted or standard costs, and investigate any discrepancies.Provide detailed reports on the profitability of different itineraries, highlighting areas for improvement or concern.Financial Reporting:Prepare periodic financial reports for management, detailing the performance of different tour packages and overall profitability.Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, focusing on cost structures and pricing strategies.Support the finance team in month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate cost allocation and reporting.Process Improvement:Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the costing process, making it more efficient and accurate.Implement and maintain internal controls to ensure the integrity of costing data.Work with cross-functional teams to develop new pricing strategies and promotional offers, ensuring they are financially viable.Ad Hoc Analysis:Conduct special financial analyses and projects as requested by management, such as cost-benefit analysis of new products or markets.Provide financial insights and recommendations for new tour package development.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.3-5 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within the travel, tourism, or hospitality industries.Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to analyse complex data and provide actionable insights.Proficient in accounting software and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems is a plus.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.Detail-oriented, with strong organisational and time management skills.Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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