Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to join a manufacturing-focused finance team in Ventura, California. This role is ideal for someone with strong attention to detail who can interpret cost data, strengthen reporting accuracy, and provide practical recommendations that support business decisions. The position will play a key part in monitoring product costs, explaining financial performance, and collaborating with operational leaders to improve visibility into manufacturing results.

Net Suite or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred.

Responsibilities:

- Analyze material, labor, and overhead activity within the standard costing framework and investigate cost variances to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.

- Prepare recurring monthly financial reports, highlight notable performance patterns, and translate findings into meaningful insights for leadership.

- Develop thorough month-end reviews of manufacturing variances and cost of goods sold to support accurate financial reporting.

- Maintain and revise product cost data for new items as well as existing inventory to ensure costing reflects current production realities.

- Assist with external audit activities by organizing required documentation, responding to inquiries, and helping maintain compliance with reporting standards.

- Work closely with finance, operations, and leadership teams on special analyses, budgeting support, and broader business initiatives.

- Use systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Navision, and advanced Excel tools to manage data, reporting, and cost analysis processes. Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related discipline.

- Hands-on experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.

- Strong knowledge of standard costing, including material, labor, and overhead components.

- Demonstrated ability to assess cost variances and draw clear, data-driven conclusions.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel at an advanced level for analysis and reporting.

- Experience working with Navision and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP platforms.

- Ability to communicate financial findings effectively and collaborate across departments.

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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