Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to join a manufacturing-focused finance team in Temple, Texas. This role is responsible for delivering accurate product and inventory cost information, supporting month-end close activities, and providing analysis that helps improve operational and financial performance. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in standard costing, inventory accounting, and cross-functional collaboration with production and purchasing teams.

Responsibilities:

- Oversee standard cost data by updating product structures, labor assumptions, and overhead allocations to keep costing records accurate and current.

- Evaluate actual manufacturing results against expected costs and provide clear explanations for differences in materials, labor, and factory overhead.

- Monitor margins and cost performance across jobs, product lines, and customer accounts to identify trends that affect profitability.

- Assist with inventory accounting activities, including cycle count support, physical inventory reviews, and reconciliation of stock records to the general ledger.

- Assess production-related costs such as scrap, rework, and yield loss, and recommend ways to strengthen controls and improve cost reliability.

- Prepare cost-related journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and recurring reports that support the monthly financial close process.

- Work closely with operations and purchasing teams to review usage patterns, efficiency metrics, and changes in material pricing.

- Contribute financial insight for pricing decisions, customer quotations, budgets, forecasts, and capital spending evaluations.

- Maintain cost accounting information within the company's ERP environment, including Acumatica when applicable, and provide documentation for audits and special finance initiatives. Requirements - Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related discipline.

- At least five years of accounting experience, with preference for work performed in a manufacturing setting.

- Solid understanding of inventory accounting, standard costing methods, and variance analysis within production environments.

- Advanced Excel capabilities and practical experience using an ERP system.

- Ability to communicate financial findings clearly to partners outside the accounting function.

- High level of accuracy, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines effectively.

- Experience with job costing or custom manufacturing environments is preferred.

- Familiarity with Acumatica is preferred.

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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