Cost Accountant

Description

Cost Accountant - Manufacturing

We are seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to support the accounting and operational functions of a manufacturing organization. This role will be responsible for monitoring manufacturing costs, inventory, standard costing, variance analysis, and supporting month-end close. The Cost Accountant will work closely with Accounting, Operations, Production, Purchasing, and Supply Chain to ensure accurate product costing and financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Maintain and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, overhead, and finished goods

+ Perform manufacturing cost and variance analysis, including material, labor, overhead, purchase price, and production variances

+ Review and reconcile inventory, including raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods

+ Assist with physical inventory counts, cycle counts, inventory adjustments, and reconciliation of discrepancies

+ Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations related to inventory, cost of goods sold, manufacturing expenses, and accruals

+ Support month-end and year-end close processes

+ Analyze actual manufacturing costs compared to standards, budgets, and forecasts

+ Monitor production costs and identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for cost improvement

+ Assist with establishing and updating standard costs, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing routings

+ Review inventory valuation and ensure accurate costing of manufactured products

+ Partner with Production and Operations teams to understand manufacturing performance and investigate cost variances

+ Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and analysis of manufacturing expenses

+ Prepare cost reports and provide management with insight into margins, profitability, and operational performance

+ Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules and documentation related to inventory and cost accounting

+ Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with company policies and GAAP

Requirements

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred

+ 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment

+ Hands-on experience with cost accounting, inventory accounting, and manufacturing variances

+ Strong understanding of standard costing, COGS, WIP, BOMs, and inventory valuation

+

Experience with month-end close, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations

+ Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including experience working with large data sets

+ ERP/manufacturing accounting system experience strongly preferred

+ Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and explain cost and operational variances

+ Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work cross-functionally with Accounting and Operations

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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Robert Half will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.

Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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