Sr. Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for an experienced Sr. Cost Accountant to support cost planning, financial analysis, and reporting within a manufacturing environment in Paramount, California. This role focuses on evaluating production expenses, inventory activity, labor costs, and material usage to help leadership make informed business decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of standard costing and cost analysis, along with the ability to identify trends that influence margins and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

- Prepare and maintain cost accounting records for materials, labor, overhead, and inventory across manufacturing operations.

- Review production and purchasing data to determine cost trends and explain significant variances affecting financial performance.

- Evaluate the cost impact of updates to product specifications, material inputs, and manufacturing processes.

- Analyze standard costs and actual results to support budgeting, forecasting, and profitability assessments.

- Partner with operations and finance teams to improve cost visibility and strengthen reporting accuracy.

- Monitor inventory-related transactions and reconcile cost data to ensure reliable valuation and reporting.

- Develop reports that highlight pricing, margin, and cost drivers for products and services.

- Support ongoing improvements to costing methods, internal controls, and related financial processes as needed. Requirements - 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within a manufacturing setting.

- Strong understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles, including standard costing methodologies.

- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed cost analysis and interpret the financial effect of operational changes.

- Experience working with inventory, raw materials, labor, and overhead cost structures.

- Proficiency in preparing variance analysis, cost reports, and profitability evaluations.

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

- Ability to communicate financial findings clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.

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.

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.

© 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 () .