OUTsurance is an OUTstanding, dynamic insurer that aligns its business with its core values of Awesome service, Passionate, Honest, Human, Dynamic and Recognition. If you are an energetic, target driven person with a passion for your career and you excel in a challenging environment, we have the opportunity for a Cost Analyst within our Finance team, based in Centurion for you. Part of our vision as a Finance team is to partner with business and provide insights where needed, simplify our processes and serve both our internal and external stakeholders. Read on if this excites you.

The purpose of the Cost Analytics role is to support the Head of Finance Operations in analysing the operating and management expenses of the business through data analysis, building insightful cost dashboards, engaging business and contributing extensively to budget processes, amongst others. Part of the role will also include suggesting and partnering with business to improve cost control and related processes, where relevant. Finance Operations forms part of the wider Finance function. Finance Operations includes the non-Claims Creditors function, fixed assets and non-claims procurement, amongst others. Core to the Finance Operations function is also oversight over management expenses. Considering the importance of the role in understanding our cost structures and engaging with multiple stakeholders, this role requires someone who thrives under pressure, can work to tight deadlines and communicates well.

Skills:

The ideal candidate should have most of the following skills:

• Data and coding capabilities including SQL, SharePoint development and Power BI;
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to manipulate and interrogate large and complex data sets;
• Excellent Microsoft PowerPoint skills in order to periodically, present particular views in a professional manner to the wider management team;
• Ability to interpret financial results and identify areas for further investigation or improvement;
• Understanding of cost structures, cost types (fixed, variable etc.) and their impact on financial performance.

Attributes:

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:

• The ability to work to and meet tight deadlines;
• Excellent communication skills in spoken or written format;
• Strong stakeholder management skills (i.e. knowing who to engage when, when to escalate, how to follow up and how to solicit the help or support from other members of the business);
• Team player demonstrating the spirit of collaboration;
• Interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships;
• Independence and curiosity; i.e. the drive and ability to work independently, identify areas for investigation and produce answers and insights independently;
• Adaptability in an ever changing environment;
• Attention to detail and quality focused.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting – contribute and eventually take ownership of the detailed workings supporting the monthly cost reporting;
• Dashboards – design, develop and maintain cost dashboards that provide insight to various parts of the business on cost trends, relationships, growth etc. using primarily Power BI;
• Process improvements – recommend and direct changes in operating procedures in so far as it touches particular areas of management expenditure, to improve efficiencies and achieve greater cost control;
• Budgeting – contribute to maintaining and improving the existing budget processes for management expenses. Analyse the submitted budgets for areas of interest and challenge;
• Cost allocations – understand in detail and maintain the cost allocation process whereby overhead expenses are allocated to various business departments;
• Support business with any cost-benefit models and projections that might be required;
• Other ad-hoc duties as and when required by changing department needs;

• Qualified CIMA or management accounting qualification;
• Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or relevant field.
• Data science or other qualification or course to support coding and data skills required.

Experience:

• Experience as a cost or data analyst (or role with similar responsibilities) in Finance or Supply Chain.

In accordance with OUTsurance Insurance Company Ltd Employment Equity goals, preference will be given to individuals who meet the job requirements and are from the various designated groups.