Cost Analyst - Richmond Hill, ON

Affinity Group Canada is a well established successful and growing company that prides itself on being one of the premier food brokers in Canada.  Since 1989, our success has been driven by the number of industry leading food manufacturers that we represent.  We pride ourselves on having a dedicated sales team, strong customer service orientation, extensive product knowledge and a professional, challenging and rewarding work environment.
About the Role
Affinity Group Canada is seeking an experienced Cost Analyst to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Controller, this role is responsible for delivering financial and operational analysis that supports the distribution side of our business. The Cost Analyst will provide insight into inventory costing, landed costs, gross margin performance, freight and warehousing expenses, vendor rebate and funding programs, and overall operational profitability.
The successful candidate will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of cost accounting principles, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights. Working closely with Finance, Purchasing, Operations and Supply Chain teams, this role plays a key part in supporting informed decision-making, improving reporting accuracy, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and enhancing overall business performance.
This is a hands-on role based in our Richmond Hill office, supporting distribution operations and financial reporting activities across the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Cost & Profitability Analysis

• Analyze product, customer, vendor, and channel profitability.
• Maintain and validate landed cost calculations, including freight, duties, warehousing, storage, and distribution expenses.
•  Monitor gross margin performance and identify trends impacting profitability.
• Support pricing decisions through cost and profitability analysis.
• Prepare recurring cost and margin reports for management.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory valuation and costing accuracy.
• Analyze inventory turnover, aging, shrinkage, and obsolescence.
• Investigate inventory and costing variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support inventory reconciliations and physical inventory counts.
• Assist in strengthening inventory controls and reporting processes.

Distribution & Operational Analysis

•  Analyze transportation, warehousing, and distribution expenses.
• Monitor cost-to-serve metrics across customers, vendors, and product categories.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Support reporting related to warehouse and distribution performance.
• Partner with Operations teams to improve visibility into key business metrics.

Vendor Funding & Rebate Management

• Track and reconcile manufacturer rebates, vendor funding agreements, and incentive programs.
• Support accrual calculations and program reconciliations.
• Monitor program performance and financial impact.
• Ensure accurate recovery and reporting of vendor funding opportunities.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Reporting

• Assist with annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Analyze actual results against budgets and forecasts.
• Investigate and explain significant cost and margin variances.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and financial models that support business decision-making.

Process Improvement & Financial Controls

• Identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, automation, and efficiency.
• Ensure the integrity of financial and operational data.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial controls and reporting procedures.
• Assist with audit requests and special projects as required.

Key Expectations

• Develop a strong understanding of Affinity Group Canada's distribution business, including inventory flows, vendor funding programs, warehousing, transportation, and customer profitability.
•  Deliver accurate, timely, and actionable financial reporting that supports operational and strategic decision-making.
• Maintain accurate product costing and landed cost calculations while ensuring the integrity of financial and operational data.
• Provide meaningful analysis of margins, inventory performance, freight costs, and operational expenses, identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
• Build effective working relationships with Finance, Operations, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams to support business objectives.
• Take ownership of vendor rebate and funding programs, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Investigate variances, identify root causes, and provide recommendations that support improved operational and financial performance.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve reporting processes, increase efficiency through automation, and strengthen financial controls.
• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail, accountability, and professional judgment when handling financial information.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• CPA designation or enrollment in the CPA program is considered an asset.
• 3-5 years of experience in cost analysis, financial analysis, inventory accounting, or operational finance.
• Experience within foodservice, distribution, logistics, wholesale, or consumer packaged goods environments is preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of inventory costing, landed costs, margin analysis, and variance reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, Power Query, and financial modeling.
• Experience working with ERP systems and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and operational stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Accessibility & Accommodation
Affinity Group is committed to providing an accessible workplace. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring
Affinity Group Canada may use artificial intelligence-enabled tools to assist with resume screening and candidate evaluation as part of the recruitment process. These tools are designed to support, not replace, human decision-making. All hiring decisions are made by qualified members of our recruitment team.