Cost Analyst

Lock Search Group; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a detail-driven Cost Analyst in Saskatoon. This role involves collaborating with Finance and Operations to ensure cost accuracy and support financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have strong cost accounting skills and experience in manufacturing, ready to contribute to operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing or food processing.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting and full-cycle financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update product costing models, ensuring accuracy in cost reporting.
• Analyze production variances to support cost optimization and financial reporting.
• Assist in budget preparation and financial audits.

Skills

Cost accounting expertise

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA designation preferred

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Cost Analyst

Saskatoon, SK

Are you a detail-driven finance professional with strong cost accounting expertise and a passion for operational efficiency? Our client is hiring a Cost Analyst to join their team and play a key role in financial reporting, inventory costing, and margin optimization.

Job Summary:

As a Cost Analyst, you’ll collaborate closely with Finance, Operations, and Procurement teams to ensure cost accuracy, monitor inventory performance, and support data-driven decisions that drive profitability. This is a hands-on, analytical role that supports full-cycle accounting and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.

What you will be doing:

• Maintain and update product costing models, including standard costs and BOMs
• Analyze production variances (yield, waste, labor, overhead) to support cost optimization
• Generate margin and transfer pricing reports and provide cost insights for pricing decisions
• Ensure accurate month-end valuation and reconciliation of inventory
• Investigate inventory variances, rework, and scrap to maintain cost integrity
• Monitor ingredient and packaging cost trends and communicate risks to management
• Analyze labor costs, track overtime and efficiency metrics to improve workforce utilization
• Complete journal entries and support month-end close and financial reporting
• Assist in budget preparation, forecasting, and capital project cost evaluations
• Maintain organized financial records and assist with audits and compliance tasks

The experience you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• CPA designation preferred (or actively pursuing)
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing or food processing
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting and full-cycle financial reporting is essential
• Proficiency in Excel; ERP or inventory system experience is a plus
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Effective communicator with the ability to work cross-functionally
• Demonstrated discretion in handling sensitive financial data

This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who excels in cost accounting and thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment. If you're ready to make an impact and contribute to operational success, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply in confidence using the "Apply" button for immediate consideration.

Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.

Lock Search Group is a National Executive Recruitment firm with offices coast-to-coast, a staff of more than 25 Consultants and Associates, and expertise in four core practice areas. Our mission is to provide exceptional Recruitment and Consulting Services to clients and candidates. We apply our experience and expertise to deliver solutions with a personalized approach that focuses on client needs and candidate goals.

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