Cost Accountant

Robert Half is looking for a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to support financial accuracy and cost visibility within our clients manufacturing facility. This position partners closely with operations and plant leadership to strengthen inventory accounting, improve manufacturing performance insights, and support environmental reporting obligations. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in plant accounting, strong analytical ability, and the confidence to work across departments to improve cost control and reporting discipline.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the plant’s standard costing structure by updating material, labor, and overhead assumptions to reflect current manufacturing conditions.

• Review production results and variance trends to identify margin pressures, waste drivers, and opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

• Work with production, engineering, and other plant teams to assess the financial impact of process changes, new materials, and improvement initiatives.

• Contribute to annual planning activities, including budget preparation and standard cost updates for the manufacturing operation.

• Reconcile inventory records between perpetual systems and the general ledger while maintaining accurate product valuation.

• Prepare manufacturing-related journal entries and maintain reliable plant-level ledger balances through timely account reconciliations.

• Coordinate month-end and year-end close tasks related to inventory, cost accounting, and manufacturing expense reporting.

• Compile supporting schedules and analysis for audits and ensure adherence to internal financial controls and company policies.

• Partner with environmental and safety stakeholders to track waste, energy usage, emissions, and related program costs for required reporting.

• Provide guidance to less experienced accounting team members and participate in cross-functional efforts focused on lean practices, waste reduction, and plant performance improvement.

For immediate consideration please apply or contact directly Steve Fields at 919-787-8226

Qualifications:

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

• At least 3 years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Solid understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, and general ledger reconciliation.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret manufacturing data and translate findings into practical financial recommendations.

• Proficiency with ERP or plant accounting systems, with strong Microsoft Excel skills required; Power BI is a plus.

• Experience supporting month-end close, budgeting, audit preparation, and financial reporting in an operational setting.

• Background working with cross-functional teams and leading projects, mentoring staff, or supporting continuous improvement efforts.

Compensation

$100,000.00-$105,000.00 Yearly

About Us

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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