Cost Accountant

Description

We are looking for a Cost Accountant to support manufacturing finance operations in Union City, California. This role focuses on evaluating product costs, maintaining accurate standard costing data, and providing analysis that helps improve operational and financial performance. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in manufacturing environments and can translate detailed cost information into practical business insights.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and monitor standard costs for materials, labor, overhead, and manufacturing activities.

• Prepare cost accounting entries, reconciliations, and reporting in compliance with GAAP.

• Manage inventory valuation, cost rollups, labor reviews, and job closing activities.

• Analyze cost variances and provide insights on key factors impacting performance.

• Evaluate profitability across products, customers, projects, and business segments.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning through cost and margin analysis.

• Create financial models to assess pricing, investments, operational improvements, and sourcing decisions.

• Recommend cost-saving and profit-enhancing initiatives to improve business results.

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to strengthen cost management.

• Support new product launches with cost estimates, margin projections, and break-even analysis.

• Monitor inventory activity, cycle counts, and obsolete inventory reserves.

• Maintain internal controls related to inventory, fixed assets, and cost accounting processes.

• Perform ad hoc financial and operational analyses as needed.

• Enhance ERP systems, costing procedures, and reporting tools.

• Develop dashboards and management reports to track financial and operational performance.

• Identify process improvement opportunities to increase efficiency and data accuracy.

• Assist with internal and external audits by providing supporting analyses and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or financial analysis.

• CPA/CMA designation or pursuing certification is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of costing, variance analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems preferred.

• Familiarity with Power BI, SQL, and data analytics tools.

• Ability to analyze large datasets and provide actionable business insights.

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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

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 roberthalf.gobenefits.net 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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .