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Cost Accountant

Cost Accountant Job Description

A Cost Accountant is a professional responsible for supporting the analysis and reporting of manufacturing, production, or project costs to ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency. This role involves assisting with maintaining cost accounting systems, tracking inventory, and performing initial variance analysis to inform key business decisions. Candidates need strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a foundational proficiency with accounting software. Typically, 0-3 years of progressive experience in cost accounting or a related accounting role is required. A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance is essential, with candidates actively pursuing a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation preferred. A foundational understanding of Canadian manufacturing practices and relevant accounting standards is key, along with an eagerness to learn and grow.

Typical cost accountant duties:

Assist with maintaining and updating cost accounting systems (e.g., standard costs for materials, labour, overhead).Support the analysis of actual versus standard costs, helping identify and explain variances.Prepare detailed cost reports on production, inventory, and profitability.Assist with inventory valuation, ensuring accurate costing and reconciliation.Support month-end and year-end close processes for Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and inventory.Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to gather cost data.Contribute to budgeting and forecasting activities related to production costs.Ensure compliance with Canadian accounting standards (ASPE/IFRS) for inventory and costing.

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National salary range for Cost Accountant

63500 - 91250

Low
63500
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.
Mid
78000
The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.
High
91250
The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.
Projected salaries for related positions Job title Low Mid High Chief Financial Officer 189250 231750 298750 Corporate Controller 133750 158750 181750 Controller 121750 147250 176000 Assistant Controller 95000 113000 131000 Financial Operations Manager 116000 140000 161250 Director of Accounting 134000 150500 180500 Accounting Manager 94750 111000 132500 Senior Accountant – Financial Services 98750 120750 131500 Accountant – Financial Services 82250 92000 102250 Cost Accounting Manager 99750 119000 133500 Senior Accountant 80000 93750 108000 Accountant 59750 70250 80000 Junior Accountant 51250 56750 61750 Senior Cost Accountant 86750 96500 107000 Property Accountant 65250 76000 90500 Director of Financial Reporting 136750 156250 179750 Senior Financial Reporting Accountant 96750 109500 117250 Financial Reporting Accountant 73500 87000 95250 Revenue Manager 84000 104750 120500 Revenue Accountant 71250 86750 97250

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The salary benchmarks in the Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process designed to reflect projected market trends for 2027. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has placed nationwide, along with third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use for independent validation. Learn more about our methodology.
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