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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Salary for Cost Accountant

63000 - 90250

Low

63000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

Mid

76500

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferrable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

High

90250

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Chief Financial Officer

180250

228000

293750

Director of Accounting

128750

147000

175250

Corporate Controller

128500

155750

181750

Controller

114750

141500

172500

Assistant Controller

90000

108750

127250

Accounting Manager

93250

109000

132000

Senior Accountant – Financial Services

95500

120750

129250

Accountant – Financial Services

82250

90250

101250

Senior Accountant

76250

90500

106000

Accountant

58000

68750

79250

Junior Accountant

50250

55750

60500

Cost Accounting Manager

97750

118250

131500

Senior Cost Accountant

86000

94750

106500

Property Accountant

63750

74250

90000

Director of Financial Reporting

130250

153250

178500

Financial Reporting Manager

114500

138250

159750

Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

92750

109000

116250

Financial Reporting Accountant

72500

86000

95000

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Our starting salary projections come from a rigorous, multistep process so that our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our salary data in three levels: low, mid and high.