Cost Accountant

Our client, a growing manufacturing organization in Houston, is seeking a Cost Accountant to support plant operations through detailed cost analysis, inventory management, budgeting, and financial reporting. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing finance professional who enjoys partnering with operations to drive cost control, improve profitability, and support strategic decision-making.

Reporting to the Cost Accounting Manager, this position will play a critical role in analyzing product costs, monitoring manufacturing performance, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform product costing and material cost analyses to support accurate manufacturing valuations.
• Maintain and optimize standard costing processes and methodologies.
• Monitor fixed and variable manufacturing costs and conduct detailed variance analyses.
• Analyze labor, inventory, and production costs to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead inventory analyses and reconciliations, including support of physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Monitor and report on key plant financial metrics, KPIs, and operational performance indicators.
• Participate in month-end close activities, including:
• Journal entries
• Account reconciliations
• Balance sheet and income statement variance analysis
• Financial and compliance reporting
• Partner with production, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to support business objectives.
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and ongoing financial planning activities.
• Track actual performance against budget and identify operational and financial risks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting, cost accounting, or financial analysis experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of:
• Standard costing
• Inventory accounting
• Manufacturing cost control
• Variance analysis
• Financial reporting
• Experience supporting month-end close processes and budgeting activities.
• SAP experience, particularly within the Controlling (CO) module, is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across finance, production, operations, and supply chain teams.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Manufacturing industry experience required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization.
• Collaborative team player with strong decision-making capabilities.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a well-established manufacturing organization with a strong operational footprint.
• High visibility role supporting plant leadership and key business initiatives.
• Opportunity to influence cost control, profitability, and operational performance.
• Competitive compensation and hybrid work flexibility.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Compensation

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.

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 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 and Privacy Notice.