Is the word contador the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

In Brazil, contador is the standard term for an accountant (the professional). In Portugal, the professional is called a contabilista. In both dialects, contador refers to a meter (such as for electricity, water, or gas) or a device/person that counts. Because the primary professional meaning differs, using "contador" to refer to an accountant in Portugal can cause confusion, as a Portuguese person might think you are referring to a utility meter.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. O meu contador é muito eficiente. (My accountant is very efficient.)
2. O contador de luz parou de funcionar. (The electricity meter stopped working.)
3. Vou contratar um contador para minha empresa. (I am going to hire an accountant for my company.)
4. Verifique o contador de água, por favor. (Check the water meter, please.)
5. Ele trabalha como contador há dez anos. (He has worked as an accountant for ten years.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. O meu contabilista é muito eficiente. (My accountant is very efficient.)
2. O contador da eletricidade parou de funcionar. (The electricity meter stopped working.)
3. Vou contratar um contabilista para a minha empresa. (I am going to hire an accountant for my company.)
4. Verifique o contador da água, por favor. (Check the water meter, please.)
5. Ele trabalha como contabilista há dez anos. (He has worked as an accountant for ten years.)