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 Overview

Reporting to the Controller, the Cost Accountant plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and analysis of cost and inventory-related financial information. This position supports sound financial decision-making by maintaining reliable cost accounting practices, contributing to financial reporting, and participating in budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Cost Accountant works closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, and corporate teams to ensure accurate product costing, inventory controls, and compliance with internal policies and accounting standards. This position is an in-office position at our office in Candiac.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain and update standard costs, rate models, and overhead allocation methodologies.
• Perform regular analysis of production variances, material price variances, labor and overhead rates, and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Prepare, analyze, and post costing runs in the ERP system (SAP).
• Coordinate updates to material prices, production activity rates, and overhead rates in collaboration with Accounting, Operations, Procurement, and Master Data teams.
• Provide guidance on Bill of Materials (BOM) and routing structures to ensure accurate product costing.
• Monitor inventory records for accuracy and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Post complex or non-routine inventory transactions as required.
• Participate in and support periodic physical inventory counts, including variance analysis and reporting.

Financial Reporting & General Accounting

• Prepare and analyze monthly and quarterly financial information in accordance with established timelines.
• Perform general ledger account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Prepare and post journal entries related to cost accounting, inventory, and month-end close.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to audit requests.
• Coordinate and respond to information requests from corporate or head office teams.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Participate in annual budgeting and forecasting processes, including preparation of planned costs and variance analysis.
• Provide costing estimates, financial analysis, and ad hoc reporting to support business decisions.
• Collaborate on cross-functional and corporate projects aimed at improving financial processes, controls, and reporting quality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation (completed or in progress) is preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or cost accounting roles.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment is a strong asset.
• Proven experience working in an ERP environment; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
• Bilingual in English and French (spoken and written).

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing finance principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.
• High ethical standards and respect for confidentiality and data integrity.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently.