Cost Accountant

• Locations 800 S State College, Fullerton, CA, 92831, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Export-Controlled Data This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Cost Accountant
for our aerospace fastener plant in Fullerton, CA
.

The Cost Accountant supports the Plant Controller in the direct supervision of the day-to-day general accounting functions and coordination month end closing process, and daily/weekly monthly financial reporting. Assist in the development of financial plans and forecasts, and the analysis of operational results. Prime day-to-day responsibility will be cost accounting; monitor and report inventories, standard cost revisions and the operating budget will be key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Cost Accounting:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing work order processes, including bills of materials (BOMs), production routings, operating standards, standard costing, and overhead absorption methodologies.

Inventory Accounting and Reconciliation:

• Perform detailed inventory reconciliations between the inventory subledger and general ledger, ensuring accurate valuation, transaction integrity, and timely resolution of discrepancies.

Month-End Close and Inventory Valuation:

• Support month-end closing activities, including preparation of inventory-related journal entries, inventory adjustments, account reconciliations, and excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory reserve calculations.

Cost Allocation and Burden Rate Management:

• Analyze manufacturing cost structures and develop departmental cost pools to support appropriate cost allocation methodologies. Evaluate, maintain, and periodically update labor and overhead burden rates to ensure accurate product costing.

Manufacturing Variance Analysis:

• Conduct comprehensive analysis of purchase price variances (PPV), material usage variances, labor efficiency variances, and manufacturing overhead absorption variances. Identify underlying cost drivers and recommend corrective actions.

Operational and Financial Reporting:

• Interpret complex manufacturing and operational data and translate findings into actionable financial reporting, performance metrics, and management recommendations.

Production Efficiency and Cost Performance:

• Evaluate actual versus earned standard hours, production volume, capacity utilization, machine efficiency, product mix, overhead spending, equipment downtime, routing accuracy, and labor charging practices to assess their impact on manufacturing costs and profitability.

Cross-Functional Business Partnership:

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to identify cost improvement opportunities, validate manufacturing standards, strengthen cost controls, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Inventory Cycle Counts & Compliance

• Manage and analyze inventory cycle counts, including aged WIP, ensuring compliance with corporate inventory policies and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.

Inventory Valuation Accuracy

• Monitor and maintain inventory valuation accuracy by reviewing material costing, E&O exposure, and inventory transaction behavior.

Inventory Control Tools

• Maintain ASATs and other inventory‑control tools to ensure alignment with corporate standards and audit requirements.

Standard & Job Cost Management

• Update and maintain standard costs and job costs within the ERP system; perform cost rolls and support periodic cost updates.

High‑Value Transaction Review

• Review and approve high‑value or unusual inventory transactions from warehouse and operations teams to ensure proper financial treatment.

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