Cost Accountant

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.