Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to support manufacturing finance operations in Livermore, California. This role focuses on maintaining accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and expense tracking while providing meaningful analysis to help guide operational and financial decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in standard-cost manufacturing, a sharp analytical mindset, and the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee cost accounting activities for a manufacturing operation, ensuring reliable standard costs, inventory values, and production-related expense reporting.

• Review and update material, labor, and overhead standards to reflect current manufacturing conditions and support accurate product costing.

• Track raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and consigned inventory balances while investigating discrepancies and maintaining inventory accuracy.

• Examine purchasing trends, pricing structures, and cost changes to recommend updates that improve the accuracy of standard costing.

• Assess excess and obsolete stock exposure and calculate inventory reserve adjustments based on inventory usage and risk.

• Analyze purchase price and production variances, collaborate with operations teams on root causes, and support corrective action planning.

• Prepare recurring journal entries, reconcile inventory subledgers to the general ledger, and complete account reconciliations tied to manufacturing activity.

• Produce monthly reporting on inventory, cost centers, and budget performance, along with quarterly reserve analysis and audit support documentation.

• Participate in physical inventory processes, evaluate inventory controls, and identify opportunities to strengthen reporting accuracy and process efficiency. Requirements • At least 3 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within a standard-cost manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing cost analysis, including inventory valuation, labor, overhead, and variance review.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to interpret financial and operational data, identify trends, and communicate findings clearly to business partners.

• Proven organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.

• Background using ERP or MRP systems in a manufacturing setting; experience with Oracle is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance 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 roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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