Cost & Inventory Manager

We are looking for an experienced Cost & Inventory Manager to support a manufacturing organization in Irvine, California through a Long-term Contract assignment. This role is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented accounting specialist who can bring structure to complex costing and inventory activities, work effectively in a highly manual environment, and deliver clear analysis that supports business decisions. The position will focus on cost development, inventory accuracy, and reporting improvements while partnering with the broader accounting team to manage high-priority operational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Lead cost accounting activities for manufacturing operations, including the development, review, and maintenance of standard costs and product cost structures.

• Analyze inventory balances and costing data to identify variances, explain drivers, and support timely financial reporting.

• Prepare and reconcile annual inventory and physical inventory results, ensuring alignment between system records and actual counts.

• Build and validate cost calculations such as material, labor, and overhead components to improve accuracy across product lines.

• Use advanced Excel-based reporting to organize large data sets, perform detailed analysis, and support manual accounting processes.

• Partner with team members across accounting and operations to provide coverage for urgent workload demands and shifting business priorities.

• Support overhead absorption analysis and recommend adjustments when production or costing trends impact margins.

• Contribute to inventory reconciliation efforts and assist with responsibilities connected to acquisition-related costing and inventory activities.

• Create reporting insights and visual analysis using Power BI when needed to strengthen visibility into cost and inventory performance.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or a closely related finance role.
• Manufacturing experience is required, preferably within food or food processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of standard cost accounting, cost build-ups, and product cost terminology.
• Proven ability to perform inventory analysis, inventory reconciliation, and annual physical inventory support.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to manipulate large data sets and apply complex formulas.
• Experience evaluating overhead absorption and interpreting cost variances in a production setting.
• Familiarity with Power BI is preferred for reporting and data visualization.
• Ability to learn quickly, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Compensation

$55.00-$70.00 Hourly

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