Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer
*The $100 CAD Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in Canada that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions, and quality standards apply **Indeed data (worldwide)

Cost Accountant Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Cost Accountant, or Financial Auditor, analyzes the financial records of individuals or companies to verify they are compliant with accounting standards set by federal and provincial governments. Their main duties are tracking expenditures, verifying tax returns, and preparing audit reports to share their findings with the client and the government.

Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Cost Accountant duties and responsibilities

A Cost Accountant plays a key role in ensuring their clients are not in breach of Canadian tax laws. Some of the common tasks a Cost Accountant should be able to perform daily include:

  • Analyze ledger entries
  • Verify expense reports and supporting receipts or other documentation
  • Verify and analyze bank statements
  • Prepare income tax returns
  • Examine past income tax returns should discrepancies arise
  • Create reports documenting audit findings
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Implement new financial tracking procedures
Build a Job Description
Are you a Job Seeker? Find Jobs

Cost Accountant Job Description Examples:

Example 1

COST Accountant

Gurit, a leading global supplier of composite materials & engineering services is currently seeking a Cost Accountant to establish costing, prepare and analyze financial statements on a monthly basis.

The main requirement for this role is to be an integral part of the financial accounting & cost analysis for Gurit financial reporting and internal management purpose. Besides being responsible for different aspects of the accounting, the costing accountant will be fully implicated in month end reporting and will assist the Head of Finance in different reports and analysis.

KEY Responsibilities:

  • Establish the products cost by using the activity-based costing model;
  • Perform monthly and weekly inventory and related financial reports;
  • Analyze standard and current cost differences and report information;
  • Active participation in the month-end/year-end closure process (year-end counting & audits);
  • Responsible for Gurit ation procedure & support sales team with financial analysis requirements;
  • Participate to the annual budgeting and forecasts during the year;
  • Follow up on capital expenditure, update and reconcile fixed assets accounts;
  • Ensure the respect of corporate policies & procedures by executing internal controls;
  • Provide support to the Head of Finance for different tasks and reports;
  • Other related finance and/or office tasks.

    Qualifications/Requirements:

  • College degree in accounting or finance;
  • Financial experience in manufacturing industry;
  • Excellent computer skills (including Excel functions);
  • Quick learner, organised & focus on details;
  • Team playing with ability to work independently;
  • Ability to travel globally occasionally.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Dental care
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • RRSP match
  • Vision care
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
    Supplemental pay pay

    Work Location: In person

    • Example 2

    Location: Whitby OR Collingwood

    The Senior Cost Accountant is an integral part of a small Canadian Finance team which operates as part of the overall NSG OE North American Group. This position will support both the Collingwood and Whitby Canadian operations and reports to the Controller

    Primary Duties:

    � Maintain and administer cost accounting systems

    � Prepare various cost analysis for product cost, production variances, spending and labour tracking.

    � Work on projects as assigned by Controller

    � Assist with development of annual budget & forecasts with an emphasis on annual standard costs.

    � Assist with month end-end closing including analysis and journal entry preparation.

    � Completion of G/L account reconciliations and other basic accounting functions.

    � Interact with plant personnel to achieve greater understanding of product costs and operations.

    � Backup for other Canadian accounting staff.

    � Assists Controller in developing and monitoring internal control procedures for the safeguarding of company assets.

    � Conduct all business affairs and relationships in adherence to the NSG Standards of Business conduct.

    � Provides financial support for cost reduction and system projects.

    � Administrative duties as needed.

    Qualifications Required:

    � Related University degree or College Diploma in Finance or Accounting

    � 5 + years of professional accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, automotive experience is an asset.

    � Working knowledge of inventory and accounting systems, understanding of cost absorption, standard costing, GAAP, and SOX.

    � Experience with ERP/MRP systems, SAP experience would be an asset.

    � Intermediate to advanced Excel & PC skills (MS PowerPoint & MS Word).

    � Working towards or have completed a CPA designation.

    � Well developed interpersonal, verbal and writing skills along with a high level of attention to detail.

    � Must be able to travel to the U.S. and Collingwood, and Whitby Ontario.

    If you are interested in applying for this position please send your resume and cover letter to [website]

    For more information on Pilkington please visit our website at [website]

    Thank you for your interest in Pilkington Glass of Canada Ltd. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

    Pilkington Glass of Canada Ltd./NSG Group is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing diversity and accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code and any similar Provincial legislative requirements throughout Canada. All applicants must make their requirements known when contacted.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: From $80,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: In person

    • Example 3

    Jaffer Group of Companies

    Position: Construction Project Cost Accountant (Full Time)

    Location: Edmonton, Alberta

    Company Profile:
    We at the Jaffer Group are passionate about performance. Based in Canada, we operate a variety of companies that together form a solid value chain for driving performance. Our businesses include strategic consulting, land development, property management, residential and commercial construction and renovation, boutique realty, hospitality and retail, data management, holding companies, and other investments.

    With more than 300 employees under the Group�s direct management and more than 15 operating businesses, Jaffer is a dynamic organization with strong support for entrepreneurial minds and business development. In addition, Jaffer prides itself on being able to accelerate and support development of recent graduates and provide opportunities to immediately engage at high levels of responsibility and management. Jaffer is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

    Position Profile:

    We are currently looking for a full-time Project Cost Accountant for our construction companies, Bilt by Jaffer and Jaffer Consulting USA. Reporting to the Senior Accountant, the Project Cost Accountant will calculate and oversee all finances of a project. The duties will include planning construction projects' budgets, performing cost analyses, and reviewing purchase orders, invoices, and supplier contracts. The goal is to ensure that all estimated construction costs are tracked, managed, and reported in a timely and accurate manner.

    Join us and you�ll become part of the family � and like all families, all our individual team members share some winning characteristics. As a team, we work better together � we trust and support each other, we do the right thing and we welcome different perspectives. You need to show us you care: that you notice the little things that make a difference to the company as well as always looking for ways to improve.

    Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Collaborating with the project manager to develop a detailed, cost-effective budget for the project.
  • Performing accounting duties throughout the project, such as preparing invoices, estimating cash flow,and signing off on purchase orders.
  • Analyzing all transactions and working unforeseen costs into the budget.
  • Keeping a record of all project finances for internal/external auditing and tax purposes.
  • Preparing cost analyses by interpreting projects' financial data and information.
  • Reporting any financial risks and budgetary discrepancies to management for review.
  • Researching market trends and projecting construction-related price increases/decreases.
  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
  • Keeping abreast with both the construction and accounting industries.
  • Reconcile and maintain balance sheet accounts.
  • General ledger operations.
  • Prepare journal entries.
  • Assist with monthly closings and preparation of monthly financial statements.
  • Assist with the preparation of monthly financial reports.
  • Responsible for accounts receivable and accounts payable.
  • Preparing and executing bank deposits.
  • Assist with completing GST Returns.
  • Ensuring accounts are reconciled with bank statements every month.
  • Assist with implementing and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures.

    Education and Experience:

    � Post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting, working towards an accounting designation.

    � Knowledge and experience in the construction industry.

    � Knowledge of accounting principles and practices.

    � Knowledge of finance principles.

    � Knowledge of financial reporting.

    � Technical accounting skills.

    � Previous experience in general accounting.

    � Proficiency in QuickBooks or Microsoft Dynamics GP.

    � High level of proficiency with spreadsheets and word processing programs.

    Key Competencies:

    � Attention to detail and accuracy.

    � Planning and organizing.

    � Communication skills.

    � Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.

    � Initiative.

    � Team work.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: $58,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
    Flexible Language Requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Edmonton, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    Application question(s):
  • This position requires the ability to work on several projects at the same time concerning the construction company within the jaffer Group. How many years experience do you have working with mini projects that are going on at the same time in the construction field while dealing with the project Accounting: 3 years (required)

    • Example 4

    KML Windows Inc., a division of Andersen Corporation, currently has an opening for a Cost Accountant. The incumbent of this position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the financial results as reported through the cost and inventory systems by performing the following duties:

    Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide accurate costs for manufactured products and update/maintain costing files
  • Liaison with different departments and team members on various projects as assigned and to ensure all issues are being addressed in a timely manner
  • Sort information into a logical and useful format using complex Excel formulas
  • Provide support to business and departmental projects as required
  • Work with assigned plant personnel through the inventory process to ensure that all the necessary inventory processes and procedures are completed
  • Assist with physical inventory results analysis and any corresponding inventory gain or loss
  • Update Physical Inventory costing files and ensure they are maintained on a regular basis
  • Participate in the PLM project team for assigned support area
  • Provide direction to the PLM team related to data, costing and inventory changes
  • Perform PLM Cost and Inventory Accounting steps
  • Completion of period end material consumption model to ensure all material costs are accounted for
  • Review results of material consumption adjustments and inventory balances at period end with delivery partners
  • Perform Sales and product line profitability analysis
  • Identify and highlight operational savings opportunities and assist in related projects
  • Work in a safe manner and follow safe work practices and policies.
  • Support and participate in Employee Engagement activities
  • This position is hybrid and will require the incumbent to work remotely and, in the office, as required
  • Perform other duties as needed as directed by management.

    Qualification AND SKILL Requirements:
  • 3-5 years of costing related experience
  • CPA designation preferred, or working toward
  • Understanding of cost and inventory systems is considered an asset
  • Knowledge of cost and management accounting
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task several projects at once and work under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Flexibility and willingness to adjust quickly to changing priorities
  • Analytical skills that enable the interpretation of financial data
  • Able to work independently exercising sound judgment in reviewing & assessing data
  • Possess strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
  • Demonstrates a professional, positive attitude with the ability to interact effectively with other departments

    Wage Range:To be discussed

    In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, KML Windows Inc. will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

    We are committed to demonstrating mutual respect and appreciation of our similarities and differences so that each employee can realize his/her potential and we exceed our customers' expectations.

    Andersen Corporate Values

    Each employee is responsible for upholding these values in their daily activities.

    Integrity: Taking pride in our commitment to do the right thing by demonstrating fairness, integrity and high ethical standards in all our actions.

    Innovation: Upholding our legacy of innovation and embracing change in all areas of our business as a means of attaining and sustaining leadership.

    Partnership: Cultivating successful relationships with everyone in our business circle and strengthening them through shared values, common goals and active participation.

    Excellence: Building customer trust and loyalty by understanding and caring about exceeding customer expectations.

    Corporate Citizenship: Continuing our longstanding commitment to leadership in environmental stewardship and the communities in which we live and work.

    Andersen �CODE OF Business Conduct�
    Each employee is responsible for adhering to the Andersen Code of Business Conduct.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Company events
  • Company pension
  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Profit sharing
  • RRSP match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision care
  • Work from home
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
    Supplemental pay bonus

    • Example 5

    Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Gather and analyze financial data.
  • Determine standard costs and investigate variances in estimated costs vs actual costs.
  • Prepare and report job profitability.
  • Update landed costs in ERP System.
  • Suggestions for ways to reduce costs.
  • Enter labour hours against jobs.
  • Purchasing of materials as required.
  • Expediting materials as required.
  • Prepare and maintain production schedule weekly.

    Why join our team?
    We offer great company benefits as follows:

  • Competitive wages
  • Clean, modern, safe and reliable working environment.
  • Job security � we are growing ang getting busier.
  • Extended health benefits plans
  • Boot allowance
  • Coveralls
  • Competitive hourly wages
  • Vacation & paid time off
  • Signing bonus after three months employment

    Qualifications/Skills:

  • Experience working with basic principles in accounting/costing or in analyzing financial figures.
  • Proficiency in English, including oral and written communication.
  • A degree in accounting or a related field and related work experience or equivalent combination will be beneficial.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work well in a high-volume production environment.

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Salary: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Dental care
  • Extended health care
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
  • Wellness program
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to 1 year (preferred)

    • Example 6

    job Purpose:

    To maintain an accurate and appropriately valued perpetual inventory and assist with all general accounting functions

    ?Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA is required.
  • Minimum of three (3) years with a multi-product manufacturing standard product costing system
  • Advanced MS Excel skills are required
  • In-depth knowledge of computerized MRP systems and integrated accounting packages
  • Knowledge of QAD 2008 is a plus

    Skills Required: ?
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Initiative

  • Analytical tools

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
    Job Responsibilities and Duties: ?
  • Design and implement data tracking methods to determine actual costs
  • Establish and review standard costs for all inventory items
  • Determination of appropriate overhead application
  • Member of ISO internal audit team
  • Co-ordinate cycle counts and results to improve accuracy of perpetual inventory
  • Co-ordinate annual physical inventory count.
  • Analyze variances and discrepancies for various accounts, including revenue and cost of sales
  • Prepare monthly working papers and reports as required
  • Design and creation of management reports
  • Special project assignments for general improvement of accounting processes
  • Assist with annual audit requirements
  • Prepare transfer pricing documentation annually for management review
  • Reconcile perpetual inventory balances and resolve any variances as they progress through the facility ensuring the proper accounting treatment of inventory through the manufacturing process.
  • Assist in the annual planning process for variable and fixed costs as well as the department expense budgets.
  • Work with staff to understand cost variances and work toward driving total cost down.
  • Partner with operations to analyze, track and report cost saving initiatives
  • Perform periodic evaluations of labor and overhead rates
  • Analyzing actual manufacturing costs and develop system to bridge estimated costs to actual costs.
  • Update Standard costing
  • Provide costing info for any projects or es
  • Provide management with reports comparing areas affecting pricing and profitability of products
  • Maintain BOMs and pricing
  • Record cost information and submit ideas on controlling cost expenditures
  • Analyzing changes in product design including materials, labor and machine requirements to determine effects on costs
  • Provides manufacturing with financial information and advice to improve plant performance.
  • Evaluates, records, and reports plant labor, including direct labor, indirect labor, and all variances to inform plant management of financial performance.
  • Any other tasks assigned by manager or senior management

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $70,000.00-$90,000.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • Day shift

    Application question(s):
  • Are you a CPA?
  • Do you have experience with a multi-product manufacturing standard product costing system?
  • Do you have QAD 200 you reliably commute to the Concord, ON area?

    • What does a Cost Accountant do?

    A Cost Account completes a financial audit to verify all of the client’s financial records. They ensure the client has been compliant with Canadian tax laws such as the Income Tax Act or the Canadian Business Corporations Act, and are required to report any cases of non-compliance. They examine all of the detailed financial data that are relevant to the client’s tax filings. A Cost Accountant is also responsible for managing a team of junior accountants. They lead the team and work together with them to complete complex financial audits.

    Cost Accountant skills and qualifications

    A successful Cost Accountant will have certain skills and qualifications to perform this job well. Some of the most common skills include:

    • Excellent analytical skills
    • Strong organizational skills
    • Exceptional knowledge of Canadian tax laws
    • Excellent eye for detail
    • Ability to work under pressure or under tight deadlines
    • Good communication skills
    • Excellent time management skills
    • Strong reporting skills

    Cost Accountant experience requirements

    A successful Cost Account candidate will have experience working as an auditor under the supervision of an Accountant while earning their designation. They are usually expected to have at least five years of experience, but this may vary depending on the job requirements.

    Cost Accountant education and training requirements

    A Cost Accountant will hold a university degree in Accounting as well as a designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Once a graduate has received their designation, they must also receive certification from the Society of Certified General Accountants, as well as the Institute of Internal Auditors. This certification is obtained after 24 to 30 months of on-the-job experience, under the supervision of an Accountant. If a Cost Accountant is required to act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, they must also hold a license as a trustee in bankruptcy. A Cost Accountant must be recognized and certified by the regulatory body in their individual province, as well.

    Cost Accountant salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average Cost Accountant salary in Canada is $68,463 per year. Salaries will vary based on geographical location, the type of industry, and the level of experience. A Cost Accountant in the public sector may also make a different salary compared to private sector employees.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this job description sample isn’t quite what you were looking for, consider browsing some of these similar job description samples:

    Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

    Cost Accountant job description FAQs

    What is the difference between a Cost Accountant and a Staff Accountant?

    A Staff Accountant may handle some of the same financial records as a Cost Accountant, but they must work under the supervision of a Cost Accountant or Senior Accountant. They may contribute to verifying documents and creating reports, but they are not able to file tax returns on behalf of their clients nor offer tax advice.

    What are good qualities to look for in a Cost Accountant?

    The job of a Cost Accountant includes some very detail-heavy work. Employers should look for candidates who are natural problem-solvers. A good candidate will also have good critical thinking skills, be very meticulous, and demonstrate reliability and responsibility. A Cost Accountant must be passionate about investigating and reporting, and show a deep interest in mathematics.

    How can you make your Cost Accountant job description stand out?

    The job descriptions that get the attention of the best candidates include lots of detail, while also remaining short and concise. The candidate should be able to immediately decipher what daily tasks will be expected of them, what specific certifications are required, and what type of industry they will be working with. A mention of a competitive salary and any additional employee benefits or privileges is also helpful.

    Job Description Examples

    Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

    No search results found

      *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.