Cost Accountant

We are looking for an experienced Cost Accountant to join our team in California. This role is responsible for driving accurate product costing, supporting financial close activities tied to inventory and cost of sales, and helping maintain strong compliance across accounting operations. The position also offers the opportunity to guide entry-level team members, strengthen reporting quality, and identify practical improvements that enhance efficiency in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:
• Manage monthly and quarterly accounting activities related to inventory valuation, cost of sales, and associated financial reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accurate close results.
• Analyze gross margin performance, investigate cost fluctuations, and provide insights that support informed business decisions.
• Oversee inventory-related accounting processes, including cycle count support, audit preparation, and resolution of discrepancies.
• Maintain and improve standard costing practices and cost accounting procedures within a manufacturing setting.
• Support compliance with applicable accounting standards, internal controls, and government contracting requirements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to evaluate operational results, explain cost variances, and improve financial accuracy.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and mentorship to cost accounting and estimating staff to strengthen team capability and consistency.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by organizing documentation and responding to financial inquiries.
• Recommend and help implement process enhancements that improve reporting efficiency, data integrity, and overall accounting performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive cost accounting experience, including work in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, cost analysis, and gross margin reporting.
• Experience leading month-end close activities and preparing detailed reconciliations and journal entries.
• Proficiency with Oracle or similar ERP systems, along with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Solid understanding of internal controls, financial compliance requirements, and audit support practices.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.

Compensation

$115,000.00-$145,000.00 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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