As a Costing Clerk in the Department of National Defence, you'll play an important role in managing financial information and supporting costing operations across Defence. You'll be responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing cost data to help the organization make informed financial decisions. Working within the Financial Management function, you'll contribute to ensuring that Defence resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
Your day-to-day work involves maintaining costing records, preparing cost reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting the development of cost estimates. You'll work with financial systems and tools, collaborate with other teams, and ensure accuracy in all financial documentation. This is a detail-oriented role that requires strong organizational skills and attention to accuracy.
Costing Clerks work in various Defence locations, including National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and bases and wings across Canada. You'll be part of a finance team that values precision, reliability, and commitment to supporting the mission of National Defence.
Key Responsibilities
Perform costing functions per GC financial policies, Prepare financial reports, analyses, and forecasts, Process transactions and maintain financial records, Support audit readiness and internal controls
Required Skills
Financial analysis, Accounting principles (PSAS/IFRS), SAP/financial systems, Budgeting, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become a Costing Clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education in accounting, business, or a related field. Many successful candidates in this role have completed accounting clerk certifications or bookkeeping programs.
Once hired, you'll receive on-the-job training in Defence financial systems, costing procedures, and specific departmental practices. The Public Service provides access to professional development opportunities, including training in accounting software, financial analysis, and Government of Canada financial management practices. Many Costing Clerks pursue the Certified General Accountants (CGA) or Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) designation over time, and the Public Service supports this career progression through tuition assistance programs.
Entry Plans
There are several ways to join the Defence civilian workforce as a Costing Clerk. The primary route is through a Public Service staffing competition. Competitions may be posted on the Government of Canada's official job board (Jobs.gc.ca) and typically require Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
You may also enter through lateral movement if you're already working in the Public Service in a related financial or administrative role. Student programs such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program (PSRP) or Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) offer pathways for students and recent graduates to gain experience and transition to permanent positions.
The Public Service also maintains pools of qualified candidates from completed competitions, which can lead to job offers in various departments and locations. Registering with pools is an effective way to accelerate your entry into the federal workforce.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Costing Clerk positions, depending on operational requirements and the specific Defence location. Many positions offer the possibility of compressed work weeks or flexible start and end times to accommodate work-life balance.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common in Defence finance roles. Depending on your duties and your manager's approval, you may be able to perform certain costing and reporting tasks from home. Specific arrangements vary by unit and position, and these opportunities are typically discussed during the hiring process and reviewed periodically with your supervisor. The Public Service is committed to supporting flexible work where operationally feasible.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
