Senior Cost Accountant

Spearhead•Nelson, BC

62d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting on costs across the business, including fabrication, manufacturing, supply chain, and inventory activities, to ensure accurate financial reporting and disciplined cost control. This is a key role in building and implementing cost accounting processes within a growing business that is expanding into manufacturing. The successful candidate will play a foundational role in establishing costing frameworks, strengthening data integrity, and developing scalable processes that support accurate and timely financial reporting. Working closely with the Finance Manager, the Senior Cost Accountant will partner with operational leaders to enhance cost visibility and support product and project margin reporting. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying process gaps, designing practical solutions, and driving implementation to ensure robust and sustainable cost accounting practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline (CPA designation or progress toward designation considered an asset).
Minimum 5+ years of experience in cost accounting, cost analysis, or manufacturing finance. Direct experience in manufacturing or fabrication environments is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience implementing or enhancing cost accounting processes, including standard costing and inventory controls.
Extensive experience with standard accounting principles and financial reporting requirements.
Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles including standard costing, variance analysis, overhead absorption, and inventory valuation (raw materials, WIP, finished goods).
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience using ERP systems to support costing, maintain data integrity, and produce accurate financial reporting.
Excellent analytical and quantitative skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work independently in a growing and evolving environment, proactively identifying issues and driving solutions.
Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities with positive communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and implementation of new cost accounting processes across the business in a newly created role.
Design and implement standard costing methodologies, overhead absorption models, and inventory valuation frameworks from the ground up.
Track and analyze manufacturing costs, including labor, materials and overhead absorption.
Prepare and review inventory valuations (raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods).
Produce accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reporting.
Provide support for budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
Identify and analyze cost trends to provide meaningful financial insights.
Assist in developing financial models to support manufacturing reporting and cost visibility.
Work closely with Production, Procurement, and Operations teams to monitor production costs.
Support operational leaders with structured cost reporting and margin analysis.
Communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders clearly and effectively.
Assist the finance team with day-to-day tasks outside the core role, providing flexible support where needed.
Design and implement scalable cost accounting processes to support the company’s expansion into manufacturing.
Identify gaps in costing workflows and drive practical solutions.
Strengthen internal controls related to inventory, production reporting, and cost allocation.
Ensure compliance with accounting policies, and relevant regulatory requirements.