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RH
Robert Half
Senior Cost Accountant
Career Insights for Accountant (General)
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Based on California data
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What they do
An Accountant organizes and maintains financial records and prepares financial statements for companies and organizations. Works as a public accountant (prepares financial documents where public disclosure is required by law, such as business balance sheets and tax returns), management accountant (prepares financial information for internal use by a company) or government accountant (maintains records for government agencies).
$82,056 / year median in California
-25% projected decline
Job Description
Description Tyler Houk (Practice Director) with Robert Half is looking for a Senior Cost Accountant to oversee cost accounting activities for manufacturing and logistics operations in Fresno, California. This role will shape reliable cost structures, deliver meaningful financial insight, and support stronger business performance through informed analysis. The position works closely with operations, supply chain, and finance leaders to improve profitability, strengthen cost discipline, and guide strategic decisions.
Responsibilities:
- Build and refine standard costing frameworks for raw materials, labor, overhead, and finished products to support accurate financial reporting and operational visibility.
- Manage cost accounting close activities, including reconciliations, reporting, and review of monthly and quarterly results.
- Evaluate cost variances, performance trends, and operational metrics to uncover inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
- Partner with manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain teams to improve resource usage, production flow, and overall cost effectiveness.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning by providing detailed cost analysis and financial input tied to operational goals.
- Oversee inventory valuation, margin analysis, and cost allocation approaches to ensure consistency and sound decision-making.
- Convert financial and operational data into practical recommendations that influence pricing, margin improvement, and long-term planning.
- Prepare and present cost performance reports for leadership, outlining financial risks, opportunities, and improvement priorities.
- Help drive continuous improvement efforts focused on waste reduction, process efficiency, and operational cost savings. Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA or CMA is preferred.
- At least 5 years of progressive cost accounting experience, including work within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and cost model development.
- Experience supporting both production and logistics cost structures is highly desirable.
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as Deacom, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar platforms, along with advanced Excel skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, or develop accounting team members in a fast-paced business setting.
- Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and influence business decisions.