Cost Accountant

Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to join our team in California. This position plays an important role in managing product costing, inventory accounting, and financial analysis within a manufacturing environment. The individual in this role will work closely with operations, supply chain, procurement, and finance partners to deliver reliable cost insights that support planning and business performance. This is a strong opportunity for an experienced accounting specialist who can combine technical expertise with clear cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities:

• Direct product costing activities, including setting and updating standard costs, maintaining system cost data, calculating overhead rates, and completing recurring cost updates.

• Manage the cost accounting portion of the monthly close by preparing journal entries, reconciling ledger activity, and producing inventory-related financial reports.

• Administer inventory reserves for excess and obsolete stock, evaluate exposure with business partners, and support timely disposition decisions.

• Review manufacturing and production order data within the ERP environment to confirm that cost inputs are complete, accurate, and aligned with operational activity.

• Analyze purchasing, labor, overhead, and production yield variances, then summarize key drivers and recommendations for finance and operations leadership.

• Build and maintain recurring cost reports, dashboards, and ad hoc analyses to highlight trends, exceptions, and margin impacts.

• Partner with supply chain, procurement, and operations teams to assess contract manufacturing costs, tolling arrangements, and overall cost modeling assumptions.

• Support budgeting and forecasting by providing cost, inventory, and overhead inputs, while also assisting with audit requests, schedules, and control documentation.

• Provide guidance to team members, contribute to accounting policies and internal controls, and assist with ERP enhancements, upgrades, or user training as a cost accounting resource. Requirements

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

• At least 5 years of progressive cost accounting experience within a manufacturing setting.

• Strong knowledge of inventory accounting methods, standard and average costing, bill of materials, work orders, and overhead allocation concepts.

• Experience working with outsourced manufacturing or co-manufacturing cost structures.

• Hands-on ERP experience, with NetSuite strongly preferred.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to create and manage detailed financial models and reporting tools.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders.

• CPA, CMA, or related certification is preferred, along with familiarity with Power BI, Tableau, or similar reporting tools.

For immediate consdieration, please call Amanda Howell at (707) 578-3355. Thank you!

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) .