Cost Accountant

Location: Saint Paul

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to support a stone, glass, and concrete manufacturing operation in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. This Contract position will focus on evaluating production costs, maintaining accurate standard costing, and delivering financial insight that supports operational decision-making. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in manufacturing cost accounting and can work effectively with both finance and plant teams to improve cost visibility and reporting accuracy.

Responsibilities:

- Analyze manufacturing costs, including materials, labor, and overhead, to identify trends and explain variances.

- Maintain and update standard cost records to reflect current production methods, pricing, and operational inputs.

- Prepare recurring and ad hoc cost reports that help leadership assess product profitability and plant performance.

- Partner with operations and finance stakeholders to review inventory valuation, cost allocations, and margin results.

- Investigate differences between actual and expected costs and recommend actions to strengthen cost control.

- Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost of goods sold, and manufacturing accounting entries.

- Assist with process improvements and, when needed, contribute to accounting-related changes affecting costing workflows.

- Ensure cost data is complete, reliable, and aligned with internal reporting requirements and accounting practices. Requirements - Background in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.

- Hands-on experience with standard costing and cost variance analysis.

- Strong understanding of inventory accounting, overhead application, and product cost structures.

- Ability to interpret financial data and translate findings into clear business insights.

- Proficiency in preparing detailed cost reports and working with large data sets.

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

- Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across accounting and operations 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.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app ()  and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

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.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use ()  and Privacy Notice () .