Cost Accountant

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) brings life-saving research to the real world by helping life science innovators bridge the gap between academic research and commercial product development. We are driven, compassionate, and laser focused on making a dramatic positive impact with everything we undertake. 

When you join API, you are part of a rapidly growing team that is creating collaborative opportunities to commercialize Canadian life sciences discoveries, increasing the amount of commercial research and development in the country, and supporting Alberta as a key pillar in Canada's life sciences sector. 

We are seeking a skilled Cost Accountant to strengthen our Finance team and provide essential support during a period of significant operational growth. The Cost Accountant will perform intermediate-level accounting duties, including reconciliations, variance analysis, and advanced problem-solving, to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. In addition, the role will manage standard costing for inventory within our pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, working closely with operations to maintain strong financial controls and support informed decision-making. This position is critical to improving departmental capacity and sustaining high-quality financial processes.

** Please note this position requires full-time on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

Core Accounting & Reporting

• Perform monthly account reconciliations, including inventory, accruals, and cost-of-goods accounts.
• Prepare and analyze month-end journal entries to support accurate and timely close.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, ensuring data integrity across financial systems.
• Support preparation of financial statements, management reports, and analyses as needed.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Management

• Maintain and update standard costs for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (purchase price, labour, overhead, yield, scrap, etc.).
• Conduct inventory valuation and assist with cycle counts, physical counts, and reconciliation of variances.
• Partner with Operations to ensure accurate bill of materials (BOMs), routings, and cost drivers.

Operational & Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with Production, Supply Chain, and Quality to improve costing accuracy and strengthen financial controls.
• Support decision-making with cost analyses, margin analysis, and operational insights.
• Identify and recommend improvements to costing models, processes, and internal controls.

ERP Readiness & Systems Support

• Provide reliable day-to-day coverage so the Finance Manager can focus on ERP implementation.
• Participate in ERP data validation, testing, and documentation related to inventory and costing modules.
• Flag system gaps, process risks, or data issues that may affect financial reporting or operational workflows.

Continuous Improvement

• Investigate root causes of recurring financial discrepancies and propose sustainable solutions.
• Enhance reporting tools, templates, and workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
• Support the development and documentation of SOPs for finance and operations.

Qualifications - (Education, Certification, Degree, Skills, Knowledge, etc.)

Education

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• CPA designation or working towards it, is preferred.

Experience:

• 4-5 years of experience in accounting
• Proven experience in accounting roles with a strong understanding of financial services
• Proficiency in Microsoft Business Central is preferred.

Personal Competencies

• Strong oral and written communication.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skill.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with people at all levels with sensitivity and tact.

Working Conditions:

• Required travel between Edmonton API sites.
• The position requires to be on site.

Additional Required Documents to Support Application

• Applications submitted without a resume AND cover letter will not be reviewed.
• Attach CPA certifications or designations document.

Perks and Benefits at API 

Comprehensive Health Coverage: At API, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We offer a comprehensive health coverage plan. Our premiums are 100% covered, ensuring that you and your dependents receive the necessary healthcare support.

Payment in Lieu of Pension: API provides an additional 15% of your annual base salary, as an alternative to traditional pension benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities: We foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. API provides access to various professional development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications. We encourage employees to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the life sciences industry.

Collaborative and Inclusive Environment: At API, we believe in the power of collaboration and diversity. We foster an inclusive work environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We promote teamwork, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are valued.

Generous Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of taking time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. API offers a generous paid time off (PTO) policy that includes vacation days, medical/personal days, and holidays. We encourage our employees to prioritize their well-being and enjoy quality time away from work.

Green Transit Allowance: Employees based out of an office are eligible to enroll in our green transit program, which promotes the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By participating in the program, you commit to making green transit your primary mode of transportation for at least 75% of your commute to and from work. Green transit includes walking, biking, carpooling, and public transportation.

Work From Home: Eligible employees are entitled to 20 Work from Home days, this is subject to job function, company needs, and manager approval.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest in the position and why they believe they are a strong candidate.

We appreciate all applicants' interest and will only contact those selected for interviews.

If you have any questions about the application process or require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact .

Our team, clients, and stakeholders come from a variety of backgrounds. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that all people bring to the workplace in terms of varied lived experiences, education, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, neurodiversity, and cognitive and physical ability.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to meet the requirements of a pre-employment screening, which includes background reference checks, educational credential verification, and criminal reference checks.

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025