Search jobs now Find the right job type for you Explore how we help job seekers Contract talent Permanent talent Learn how we work with you Executive search Finance and Accounting Technology Marketing and Creative Legal Administrative and Customer Support Technology Risk, Audit and Compliance Finance and Accounting Digital, Marketing and Customer Experience Legal Operations Human Resources 2027 Salary Guide Demand for Skilled Talent Report Press Room Tech insights and talent strategies Labour market overview AI in recruiting Staffing for small businesses Browse jobs Find your next hire Our locations

Cost Accountant in Halifax, NS

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.

Looking for a cost accountant or a cost accountant job?

Request candidates now and a specialized recruiter will typically contact you within one business day to discuss your staffing needs and help you hire a cost accountant.Search cost accountant openings and apply now or submit your resume to be considered for opportunities that match your experience.
Salary for Cost Accountant in Halifax, NS

59373 - 85319

Low
59373
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.
Mid
72930
The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.
High
85319
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 176949 216686 279331 Corporate Controller 125056 148431 169936 Controller 113836 137679 164560 Assistant Controller 88825 105655 122485 Financial Operations Manager 108460 130900 150769 Director of Accounting 125290 140718 168768 Accounting Manager 88591 103785 123888 Senior Accountant – Financial Services 92331 112901 122953 Accountant – Financial Services 76904 86020 95604 Cost Accounting Manager 93266 111265 124823 Senior Accountant 74800 87656 100980 Accountant 55866 65684 74800 Junior Accountant 47919 53061 57736 Senior Cost Accountant 81111 90228 100045 Property Accountant 61009 71060 84618 Director of Financial Reporting 127861 146094 168066 Senior Financial Reporting Accountant 90461 102383 109629 Financial Reporting Accountant 68723 81345 89059 Revenue Manager 78540 97941 112668 Revenue Accountant 66619 81111 90929

Explore more salaries

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need—from support roles to C-suite—with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience combined together with our industry-leading AI technology. Hire talent

More to explore

2027 Canada Salary Guide Explore the latest data for roles in 6 professional fields and know what you should pay or earn in local and national markets.
Demand for Skilled Talent Check out our Demand for Skilled Talent report to learn about employers’ hiring plans and needs.
Labour Market Overview Stay on top of Robert Half and Statistics Canada job posting data to learn about today’s hiring market.
Pay and Compensation Highlights Dive deeper into salary and total compensation trends across a range of professional roles and industries.
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.
Browse Jobs Contract Talent Permanent Talent Consulting Solutions Finance & Accounting Technology Marketing & Creative Legal Administrative & Customer Support Discover Insights Job directory Salary Guide Time Reports Subscribe to Newsletter Contact us About Robert Half Leadership Careers With Us Locations Investor centre Press Fraud Alert Privacy Policy Terms of Use Modern Slavery Report Robert Half Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. Numéro de permis du Québec AP-2000503 Australia - English Belgium - English Belgium - Nederlands Belgium - Français Brazil - Português Canada - English Canada - Français Chile - Español China - English China - 中文 France - Français Germany - Deutsch Hong Kong, China - English Ireland - English Italy - Italian Japan - English Japan - 日本語 Luxembourg - English Luxembourg - Français Netherlands - English Netherlands - Nederlands New Zealand - English Singapore - English Switzerland - Deutsch Switzerland - English Switzerland - Français United Arab Emirates - English United Kingdom - English United States - English