Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for an experienced Cost Accountant to support financial operations and provide accurate cost reporting for a long-term contract opportunity in Mclean, Virginia. This role focuses on analyzing production and operational costs, maintaining reliable standard costing data, and delivering insights that strengthen budgeting and financial decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing accounting expertise and a practical approach to cost analysis in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

- Prepare and maintain detailed cost reports to track production expenses, variances, and overall financial performance.

- Review manufacturing cost data and evaluate trends to identify inefficiencies, savings opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.

- Manage standard cost calculations and updates to ensure product costing remains accurate and aligned with business activity.

- Analyze material, labor, and overhead expenses and explain cost variances to finance and operational stakeholders.

- Partner with cross-functional teams to support budgeting, forecasting, inventory valuation, and month-end close activities.

- Reconcile cost-related accounts and verify the integrity of financial records connected to manufacturing operations.

- Develop reporting and analysis that helps leadership make informed decisions regarding pricing, margins, and operational performance. Requirements - 5+ years of experience in cost accounting roles.

- Hands-on background in manufacturing cost accounting environments.

- Strong knowledge of standard costing principles and cost variance analysis.

- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed cost analysis and interpret financial data accurately.

- Proficiency in preparing reconciliations, financial reports, and supporting month-end close processes.

- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

- Effective communication skills with the ability to work across finance and operational teams.

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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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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