ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Cost Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Marquee Staffing - OC

Be Seen First

Jr. Cost Accountant (Onsite Contract)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Jr. Cost Accounting Analyst Location: Irvine, CA (On-site) Type: Contract (approx. 3-4 months), 40 hrs/week Department: Accounting / Manufacturing Finance Job Summary The Jr. Cost Accountant supports ...

New

All JobsCost Accountant JobsEntry Level Cost Accountant JobsEntry Level Cost Accountant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Cost Accountant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$27

$44

How much do entry level cost accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cost accountant in Riverside, CA is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $30.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I get an accounting job with no experience?

Entry level cost accountants can improve their chances by gaining relevant skills such as Excel and basic accounting software, pursuing relevant certifications like a CPA or CMA, and seeking internships or volunteer opportunities to build practical experience. Demonstrating strong analytical skills and attention to detail can also help compensate for lack of formal experience during the application process.

What types of projects or tasks can an Entry Level Cost Accountant expect to handle in their first year?

As an Entry Level Cost Accountant, you’ll typically be involved in tasks such as collecting and analyzing cost data, assisting with the preparation of cost reports, and supporting month-end and year-end financial closing processes. You may also help with inventory analysis, standard cost updates, and variance analysis to identify areas for cost savings. These responsibilities are often carried out under the supervision of senior accountants, providing opportunities to collaborate closely with operations, finance, and manufacturing teams. This exposure helps you build a strong foundation in cost accounting and understand how your work impacts overall business decisions.

Will cost accountants be replaced by AI?

Cost accountants perform tasks such as analyzing financial data, preparing budgets, and ensuring accuracy in cost reporting. While AI and automation can handle routine calculations and data processing, the role still requires professional judgment, interpretation, and decision-making that AI cannot fully replicate. Therefore, cost accountants are unlikely to be completely replaced but will need to adapt by developing skills in data analysis and technology tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Cost Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cost Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, strong analytical skills, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills ensure accurate cost tracking and reporting, supporting sound financial decisions and operational efficiency.

What does an entry level cost accountant do?

An entry level cost accountant is responsible for assisting with the tracking, analyzing, and controlling of costs within an organization. They gather and review data on costs related to materials, labor, and overhead, and help prepare reports for management to support budgeting and decision-making. Their duties often include maintaining cost records, performing basic cost analysis, and supporting senior accountants with financial reporting tasks. This role is an excellent starting point for a career in accounting as it provides foundational experience in financial analysis and cost management.

Is 30 too late to get into accounting?

Entry level cost accountants can start their careers at age 30 or later, as the field values skills such as attention to detail, analytical ability, and proficiency with accounting software. Many professionals transition into accounting careers after gaining relevant education or certifications like the CPA, regardless of age.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cost Accountant vs Cost Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Cost AccountantCost Analyst
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, production, or corporate accounting departmentsFinancial services, manufacturing, or consulting firms
Employer UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing and corporate accounting teamsUsed in analyzing costs, budgets, and financial performance

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on financial data analysis. An Entry Level Cost Accountant primarily handles cost tracking and reporting within manufacturing settings, while a Cost Analyst may work across various industries analyzing costs and financial trends. The roles are similar in entry-level requirements but differ slightly in focus and industry application.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Entry-level cost accountants typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires many years of experience, advanced certifications, senior management roles, or working in specialized industries such as finance or consulting. Such high earnings are uncommon for entry-level positions.
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 Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Cost Accountant job openings:
Entry Level Cost Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cost Accountant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,118 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Jr. Cost Accountant (Onsite Contract)

Jr. Cost Accountant (Onsite Contract)

Marquee Staffing - OC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Jr. Cost Accounting Analyst
Location: Irvine, CA (On-site)
Type: Contract (approx. 3–4 months), 40 hrs/week
Department: Accounting / Manufacturing Finance
Job Summary
The Jr. Cost Accountant supports the cost accounting team with day-to-day manufacturing finance activities, including inventory and cost-of-goods analysis, variance reporting, and month-end close support. This role has an emphasis on job costing, labor/overhead support, standard cost maintenance assistance, and inventory reconciliations, while helping ensure key inventory/manufacturing controls are completed accurately and on time.
Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist with month-end close activities for cost accounting, including support for journal entries and account reconciliations.
  • Help prepare and analyze product costs, manufacturing variances, and other COGS-related reporting.
  • Support standard cost updates and maintain cost data (BOM/routings and related cost inputs) in partnership with operations/manufacturing teams.
  • Assist with labor and overhead rate support (basic calculations, data pulls, trend reporting).
  • Support inventory reconciliations (including intercompany inventory/profit where applicable).
  • Assist with cycle counts and physical inventories (coordination support, variance research, documentation).
  • Support warranty and E&O (excess & obsolete) analysis and reporting.
  • Pull and analyze data from the ERP/accounting system to support cost-of-goods reporting and ad hoc requests.
  • Help maintain documentation for inventory/manufacturing SOX controls and support audit requests as needed.
  • Participate in process improvement efforts to streamline close and reporting activities.
  • Perform other projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • 2+ years of accounting experience with exposure to cost accounting (manufacturing environment strongly preferred).
  • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups; comfort working with large data sets).
  • Working knowledge of inventory, COGS, and basic variance analysis concepts.
  • High attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication; comfortable partnering with operations/manufacturing stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Exposure to standard costing, BOM/routings, or labor/overhead concepts.
  • Experience with ERP systems (any major ERP is fine—SAP/Oracle/NetSuite/etc.).
  • Experience in a medical device / regulated / lot-controlled environment.
  • Spanish (written/spoken) a plus.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (or equivalent experience).

Company Description

Marquee Staffing has built a reputation on expert local market knowledge, unparalleled personalized service and the ability to deliver winning candidates and job opportunities.
Marquee operates offices located conveniently throughout Southern California. Each branch is full-service, providing temporary, contract, contract-to-hire and direct placement services for a diverse set of clients. Each branch has recruiters who specialize in key industries, ensuring that our clients get the best match possible for each open position and that our candidates get expert guidance in their career path.
Apply with us today!