DescriptionPosition Summary:The
Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for leading cost accounting, inventory valuation, and operational financial analysis across multiple paper packaging manufacturing facilities. A key aspect of the role is developing, maintaining, and improving product costing methodologies within a complex manufacturing environment.
This position is on-site 5 days/week in our Whitby, ON location.
The role operates across multi-site locations in Canada and the USA, dealing with a diverse product portfolio, high SKU counts, independent machine-based production, and significant raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventories. This position also requires familiarity with cross-border, multi-currency operations. The successful candidate will partner extensively with Operations, Supply Chain, Plant Management, and Finance leadership to deliver accurate costing, robust inventory controls, financial reporting, and critical decision-support analysis to drive profitability and operational performance.
Cost Accounting & Product Costing- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standard costing methodologies for a diverse portfolio of paper packaging products.
- Analyze machine-level production costs, including labor, materials, waste, machine utilization, setup costs, and overhead absorption.
- Establish and monitor cost drivers appropriate for machine-based manufacturing operations.
- Review and update standards for raw materials, labor rates, machine rates, and overhead allocations.
- Conduct monthly cost rollups and transfer pricing; maintain product cost accuracy across all facilities.
- Analyze manufacturing variances including material usage, labor efficiency, machine efficiency, waste, yield, and overhead variances.
- Provide detailed profitability analysis by product, customer, and facility.
- Support intercompany transfer pricing and cross-border costing mechanics between Canadian and US operations.
Inventory Control & Valuation- Manage inventory accounting processes for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods across multiple locations.
- Ensure accurate inventory valuation in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.
- Lead monthly inventory reconciliations and investigate inventory discrepancies.
- Oversee cycle count programs and support physical inventory processes
- Partner with operations teams to improve inventory accuracy and strengthen inventory controls.
- Monitor inventory reserves, obsolescence, slow-moving inventory, and scrap reporting.
Financial Analysis & Reporting- Prepare and analyze monthly manufacturing financial results and key performance indicators.
- Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to inventory and manufacturing costs.
- Develop management reports highlighting cost trends, operational performance, and opportunities for improvement.
- Perform ad hoc financial modeling and operational analyses to support strategic decision-making.
- Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting.
Systems, Data Analytics & Process Improvement- Manage large volumes of operational and financial data from ERP and manufacturing systems.
- Design and maintain automated reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools.
- Improve costing models, reporting processes, and data integrity controls.
- Collaborate with IT and operations teams to enhance data collection and reporting capabilities.
- Support ERP implementations, upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
Compliance & Internal Controls- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies across both Canadian and US operations.
- Support internal and external audits related to inventory and cost accounting.
- Maintain awareness of customs, duty, and landed cost treatment as it affects inventory valuation (e.g. tariffs, import duties).
- Develop and maintain documentation for costing methodologies and inventory control procedures.
- Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen financial controls and operational efficiency.
How we measure success in this role (what you will accomplish):- Improve accuracy and transparency of product costing.
- Strengthen inventory controls and inventory valuation processes.
- Deliver timely and reliable cost and operational reporting.
- Provide actionable insights that improve manufacturing efficiency and profitability.
- Establish scalable costing and reporting processes capable of supporting continued business growth and product complexity.
RequirementsWhat we're looking for in a candidate:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- CPA, CMA, CPA-CMA, or equivalent professional designation preferred
- 5-10+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in paper, packaging, converting, printing, or other process/manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrated experience with inventory accounting, inventory controls, and standard costing systems.
- Experience with cross-border or multi-currency operations (Canadian and US), including intercompany costing and transfer pricing, is an asset.
- Experience working with high-volume transactional data and large product portfolios.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
- Experience with ERP systems such as AS400 or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with customs duties, tariffs, and landed cost accounting as they affect inventory valuation is an asset.
- Experience using AI-enabled tools to analyze large datasets, identify trends, automate repetitive tasks, enhance forecasting accuracy, and streamline financial processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate large datasets into actionable business insights.
Personal Attributes:- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Strong business partnering and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple facilities and cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Comfortable managing shifting priorities and ambiguity in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Capable of balancing strategic analysis with hands-on operational support.
Pre-Hire Process:Employment Offers are contingent on completion of a Criminal Background Check and professional reference check.
