Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to support manufacturing finance operations in Sparta, Wisconsin by delivering accurate cost data and practical analysis that guide production, inventory, and pricing decisions. This role partners with plant and finance teams to evaluate product costs, explain margin performance, and strengthen reporting used by leadership. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in manufacturing accounting, strong analytical judgment, and the ability to translate detailed cost information into actionable business insight.

Responsibilities:

- Analyze inventory valuation, manufacturing spending, and product margins to identify trends, explain cost movement, and connect results to operational drivers.

- Build and oversee reliable methods for collecting cost data, ensuring information is organized in a way that supports accurate financial reporting and decision-making.

- Establish and refine internal controls related to cost tracking and reporting so plant and financial data remain dependable and consistent.

- Maintain labor and overhead absorption rates across plants and work centers, updating assumptions as needed to reflect operational activity.

- Lead physical inventory and cycle count activities, research discrepancies, and work with operations teams to correct root causes of variances.

- Manage standard cost records, compare actual results to expected costs, and prepare variance analysis to highlight exceptions and support corrective action.

- Prepare recurring reports and month-end schedules related to inventory, material costs, plant performance, and margin results, including reconciliations and necessary adjustments.

- Review inventory for obsolescence exposure and coordinate appropriate disposition actions to reduce excess and outdated stock.

- Spend time in manufacturing areas to better understand process flow, reporting issues, and factors affecting product cost structure.

- Contribute to broader accounting projects and departmental priorities as needed. Requirements - Associate degree in Accounting or a related discipline required; bachelor's degree preferred.

- At least 5 years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.

- Demonstrated knowledge of standard costing, cost analysis, and manufacturing cost accounting practices.

- Ability to develop, maintain, and validate cost reporting methods that produce accurate and auditable results.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn findings into practical recommendations.

- Comfortable collaborating with employees at all levels, from production teams to senior leadership.

- Effective written and verbal communication skills in a team-oriented work environment.

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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