Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for an experienced Cost Accountant to support a manufacturing operation. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for a detail-oriented finance specialist who excels at translating production and inventory data into reliable cost insights that guide business decisions. The position works closely with accounting, plant leadership, and operations teams to strengthen financial accuracy, monitor performance trends, and improve cost visibility across the facility.

Responsibilities:

- Develop, maintain, and refine standard cost models for raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead.

- Review production and costing data to identify variances, explain performance drivers, and highlight areas needing corrective action.

- Monitor inventory activity and valuation to help ensure transactions are recorded accurately and balances align with operational records.

- Prepare cost-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules as part of monthly financial close processes.

- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and profitability reviews by providing cost metrics and manufacturing analysis.

- Collaborate with plant and operations leaders to assess production results and uncover practical opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

- Validate bills of materials, labor routings, and overhead application methods to support accurate product costing.

- Assist with inventory and costing controls while recommending process enhancements that improve consistency and reporting quality.

- Produce financial reports and analytical summaries that help leadership evaluate operational and margin performance. Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

- At least 3 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within a manufacturing setting.

- Strong understanding of standard costing principles, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.

- Experience working with ERP systems and cost-related financial data.

- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis, reporting, and data review.

- Ability to communicate findings clearly and work effectively with both finance and operations teams.

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

- Manufacturing industry experience 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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