Cost Accountant in Saint John, NB

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 Saint John, NB

58275 - 83481

Low

58275

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

Mid

70763

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

High

83481

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

Projected salaries for related positions

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Low

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High

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118863

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168119

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130888

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100594

117706

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86256

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Senior Accountant – Financial Services

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111694

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Accountant – Financial Services

76081

83481

93656

Senior Accountant

70531

83713

98050

Accountant

53650

63594

73306

Junior Accountant

46481

51569

55963

Cost Accounting Manager

90419

109381

121638

Senior Cost Accountant

79550

87644

98513

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58969

68681

83250

Director of Financial Reporting

120481

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105913

127881

147769

Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

85794

100825

107531

Financial Reporting Accountant

67063

79550

87875

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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.