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Cost Accountant
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Cost Accountant analyzes the cost of company products or services, determines factors affecting costs, and makes recommendations for managing costs. Analyzes financial processes within a company or organization and develops internal cost reporting and accounting systems.
$91,680 / year median in California
-5% projected decline
Job Description
Description We are looking for a Cost Accountant to support accurate cost reporting and financial analysis for manufacturing operations in San Leandro, California. This position focuses on evaluating product costs, maintaining standard costing methods, and delivering insights that help improve margins and operational performance. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with production and finance teams.
Responsibilities:
+ Analyze production variances and support root cause investigations.
+ Reconcile and close process orders; track operational KPIs.
+ Drive cost savings and waste reduction initiatives.
+ Provide operational and financial analysis for business decisions.
+ Support month-end close, forecasting, and variance reporting.
+ Reconcile inventory accounts and maintain KPI dashboards.
+ Assist with budgeting for materials, inventory, and manufacturing costs.
+ Manage product costing, cost modeling, and SAP cost runs.
+ Develop cost reports and profitability analyses.
+ Support financial reporting, process improvements, and scrap analysis.
+ Monitor manufacturing routings, scrap rates, and margin impact.
+ Oversee inventory transactions and identify process gaps.
+ Forecast inventory expenses, variances, and absorption costs.
+ Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance on business cases and investments.
+ Provide ad hoc financial analysis and decision support to leadership. Requirements
+ Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. + 2-4 years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
+ Background in consumer products or retail environments preferred.
+ Experience with product costing and manufacturing variance reporting.
+ Familiarity with SAP S/4HANA, inventory accounting, and GL transactions.
+ Advanced Excel and MS Office skills; Power BI experience is a plus.
+ Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause investigation abilities.
+ Ability to communicate financial insights to cross-functional teams and leadership.
+ Effective presentation, reporting, and communication skills. 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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-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 "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .