ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Cost Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Core States Group

Project Accountant

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Set up projects and apply contract requirements to revenue, cost, and forecast budgets by task, billing rate tables, and related job cost settings. * Manage the project accounting lifecycle ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Cost Accountant JobsContract Cost Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Contract Cost Accountant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$41.2K

$81.1K

$113.2K

How much do contract cost accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract cost accountant in Riverside, CA is $81,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a contract cost accountant typically collaborate with project managers and other departments to ensure accurate cost tracking?

As a Contract Cost Accountant, you'll work closely with project managers, procurement teams, and sometimes engineers to monitor project expenses and ensure costs align with contract terms. Regular meetings or status updates are common to review budget variances, discuss upcoming expenditures, and resolve discrepancies. This collaborative approach helps maintain financial transparency across departments and supports timely decision-making, which is crucial for project success and client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract cost accountant?

To thrive as a Contract Cost Accountant, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of accounting principles, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with ERP systems, cost accounting software, and certifications like CPA or CMA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing project costs and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate cost tracking, compliance with contractual requirements, and support informed financial decision-making.

What is a contract cost accountant?

Contract Cost Accountants are financial professionals who specialize in managing, analyzing, and reporting the costs associated with contracts, particularly in industries like construction, government, or manufacturing. They are responsible for tracking expenses, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, preparing cost reports, and assisting with budget planning. Their work helps organizations control spending, maximize profitability, and meet regulatory or client requirements. Contract Cost Accountants often liaise with project managers, auditors, and stakeholders to provide accurate and timely financial information related to specific contracts.

What is the difference between Contract Cost Accountant vs Cost Analyst?

AspectContract Cost AccountantCost Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in accounting or finance; certifications like CPA or CMA are commonUsually holds a degree in finance, accounting, or economics; certifications like CMA or CPA are beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific contracts, often in industries like manufacturing, construction, or government projectsAnalyzes cost data across projects or departments, often in corporate or consulting settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by companies managing contractual projects, government agencies, or contractorsEmployed by corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies to optimize costs

While both roles focus on cost management, Contract Cost Accountants specialize in managing costs related to specific contracts, ensuring compliance and accurate billing. Cost Analysts have a broader focus on analyzing overall cost data to support strategic decision-making. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract Cost Accountant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract Cost Accountant job openings:
Contract Cost Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cost Accountant job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 81% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 84% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,094 per year, or $39 per hour.

Cost Accountant

Cross Resource Group

City Of Industry, CA • On-site

$43.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Cost Accountant - Food Manufacturing

A leading food and beverage manufacturing company is seeking a Cost Accountant to support plant finance, production cost analysis, inventory accuracy, and monthly close. This role works closely with the Plant Controller and partners with production, supply chain, warehouse, inventory, AP, and plant leadership to explain cost drivers, resolve variances, and improve reporting accuracy.

This is a 6-month onsite contract with potential to convert or extend based on performance, attendance, culture fit, and business need.

Location: City of Industry, CA

Schedule: Onsite

Pay: $43.92 per hour, based on current client markup calculation

Contract Length: 6 months, with potential to convert or extend

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead.

Analyze daily production activity and compare standard costs to actual production costs.

Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly variance reporting for plant management.

Investigate material, labor, overhead, production, and inventory variances; identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

Verify daily production postings to ensure inventory and production activity are reported accurately.

Manage and review inventory transactions for the plant and 3PL activity.

Lead or support inventory cycle counts, inventory audits, reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution.

Support monthly close activities, including manufacturing variance preparation, journal support, reconciliations, and supporting analysis.

Collaborate with production, supply chain, warehouse, operations, AP, and finance teams to resolve cost, inventory, and invoice issues.

Investigate and resolve Accounts Payable issues tied to plant receipts, inventory, vendor invoices, or production activity.

Assist with annual budget preparation, periodic forecasts, and cost analysis for new product development.

Ensure compliance with internal controls, financial policies, GAAP, and relevant accounting standards.

Prepare and present cost reports, findings, and recommendations to plant leadership.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

2+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing.

Food, beverage, CPG, dairy, plant-based, ingredients, packaging, or other plant manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Experience with standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, inventory accounting, and monthly close.

Strong Excel skills, including pivots, lookups, formulas, and large data sets.

ERP experience such as SAP, Oracle, JDE, or a similar system.

Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data and explain findings clearly to non-finance partners.

Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and problem-solving ability.

Ability to work independently while partnering closely with cross-functional plant teams.

Knowledge of GAAP and accounting controls.

Familiarity with operational excellence, continuous improvement, or root-cause analysis is a plus.

Contract benefits

Eligible CRG contract employees may have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage after 30 days of employment, along with weekly pay, direct deposit, referral bonus opportunities, and support from the CRG recruiting and account management team throughout the assignment. 401(k) eligibility begins after 12 months as a CRG employee. Benefit eligibility, plan details, waiting periods, and employee costs should be confirmed during onboarding.

California generally requires eligible employees, including temporary workers who meet the requirements, to receive at least 40 hours or 5 days of paid sick leave per year.