Cost Accounting Manager

Position 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 processesPartner 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.