Cost Accountant

Stella-Jones; Whitchurch-Stouffville; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health and dental coverage

Life insurance and AD&D

Short-Term and Long-Term disability coverage

Competitive compensation

Annual bonus structure

Retirement program (RRSP) with company match

Company Share Purchase Program

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company is seeking a cost accountant to support inventory accuracy, cost integrity, and financial reporting. This role involves analyzing production costs, managing standard costs, and working with various departments to ensure accurate accounting. The ideal candidate will possess an undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, CPA designation, and strong analytical skills. Benefits include competitive compensation and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Cost accounting experience is an asset.
• English proficiency is required; French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory accuracy and financial reporting.
• Analyze production variances and inventory valuation.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA designation preferred

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Stella-Jones is a leading manufacturer of essential infrastructure products focused on serving utilities and railroads, as well as supplying big box home improvement stores across North America. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada and publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Stella-Jones operates a vast network of facilities that employs more than 3,000 employees across the United States and Canada. Built on strong foundations with a coast-to-coast reach, we offer real opportunities for career success and community impact.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Cost Accounting Manager, plays a critical role in monitoring inventory accuracy, cost integrity, and financial reporting.

The primary focus of this role is analyzing numbers, accounting for inventory, and ensuring the business maintains the right quantities at the right pricing — including validating cost per unit. This position works closely with Operations and the General Ledger Accountant to monitor standard costs, production variances, and inventory valuation.

The role operates in a deadline-driven setting, particularly during month-end close, and requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Maintain and update standard costs and cost models.
• Analyze production variances, material pricing, overhead allocations, and activity rates.
• Monitor unit costing and ensure accurate inventory valuation.
• Execute costing runs within SAP.
• Partner with Operations and Procurement to validate costing inputs and assumptions.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes with detailed cost analysis.

Inventory Management

• Perform regular inventory reconciliations and reviews.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure accurate inventory records.
• Post complex or non-routine inventory transactions.
• Support and analyze physical inventory counts.

General Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Assist with internal and external audit requirements.
• Provide ad-hoc financial reporting and analysis.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA designation preferred (or in progress).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience; cost accounting experience is an asset but strong accounting profiles will be considered.
• Experience with SAP is an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and accounting systems.
• English required; French is an asset.

As a Stella-Jones employee, you will enjoy access to excellent benefits and incentives, including:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short-Term and Long-Term disability coverage
• Competitive compensation
• Annual bonus structure
• Retirement program (RRSP) with generous Company match (150% of employee's 4% contribution)
• Company Share Purchase Program with 25% Company contribution match

Stella-Jones is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, provincial, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Stella-Jones makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.