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.

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Salary for Cost Accountant in Halifax, NS

58905 - 84384

Low

58905

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

Mid

71528

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

High

84384

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

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High

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54230

64281

74099

Junior Accountant

46984

52126

56568

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91396

110564

122953

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80410

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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.