We are looking for an experienced Cost Accountant to support a manufacturing organization in Irvine, California through a Long-term Contract engagement. This position will focus on strengthening cost accounting operations, improving inventory visibility, and providing accurate analysis in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience with standard costing, cost build-ups, and detailed Excel-based reporting, along with the ability to quickly adapt and contribute across the broader cost accounting team.
Responsibilities:
• Manage day-to-day cost accounting activities for manufacturing operations, ensuring accurate tracking of product costs, inventory valuation, and related financial data.
• Prepare and analyze standard costs, including cost rollups, component build-ups, and overhead absorption calculations to support reliable reporting and decision-making.
• Perform detailed inventory analysis and help maintain accuracy across inventory records, reconciliations, and valuation processes.
• Support annual inventory procedures, including physical inventory planning, execution, review, and follow-up on discrepancies.
• Develop, maintain, and improve complex Excel-based reports used for cost analysis, reporting, and operational insights.
• Partner with accounting and operations teams to identify cost trends, explain variances, and recommend practical improvements.
• Provide additional support on broader team priorities, including work tied to manufacturing cost structures and acquisition-related accounting activities as needed.
• Contribute to manual and evolving reporting processes while helping create more efficient approaches for data analysis and financial visibility.
• Proven experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, cost analysis, and inventory accounting principles.
• Hands-on ability to build and interpret cost structures, nomenclature, and product cost calculations.
• Experience with overhead absorption analysis and manufacturing cost allocations.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to manipulate large data sets and produce meaningful analysis.
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and provide support in a team with shifting priorities.
• Familiarity with Power BI is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment