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Variance Analysis Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Accounting Financial Analyst

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $124K/yr

Manage intercompany accounting including allocations, eliminations, reconciliations, settlements, cost-plus accounting, and intercompany variance analysis * Support consolidation accounting processes ...

Senior FP&A Analyst

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$91K - $113K/yr

Perform budget-to-actual variance analysis and explain key business drivers * Develop reporting packages, dashboards, and presentations for leadership * Partner with operations and commercial teams ...

Senior Financial Analyst

Carson, CA

$89K - $111K/yr

This role partners with cross-functional teams to drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis, ensuring alignment with financial goals. The position plays a key role in improving visibility ...

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Performance to budget with variance analysis; estimate to complete; estimate at complete; and anticipated net operating incomes. * May consult with Program and Cost Account Managers to develop ...

Develop, monitor, analyse and report key performance metrics, conduct the variance analysis to support project management; Interact frequently with senior level project managers and lab leaders ...

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Provide monthly reporting, variance analysis, and clear insights on business performance * Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve results * Analyze profitability ...

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Variance Analysis information

See California salary details

$16

$27

$40

How much do variance analysis jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for variance analysis in California is $27.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Variance Analysis position, and why are they important?

To excel in Variance Analysis, you typically need a strong background in finance or accounting, analytical thinking, and attention to detail, often supported by a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Expertise in financial software, advanced Excel skills, and familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP or Oracle are highly beneficial, and certifications like CPA or CMA can be advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capability to distill complex data into actionable insights help professionals stand out. These skills ensure accurate interpretation of budget deviations, enable constructive collaboration with cross-functional teams, and support strategic decision-making within organizations.

What are the primary responsibilities of someone in a Variance Analysis role?

Professionals in Variance Analysis are primarily responsible for comparing actual financial outcomes to budgeted or forecasted figures, identifying the reasons for any differences, and communicating these findings to management. Their daily tasks may include preparing variance reports, working closely with different departments to gather data, and recommending corrective actions based on their analyses. This role often involves regular meetings with finance and operational teams to ensure alignment and provide insights that support financial planning and performance improvement. By thoroughly investigating variances, individuals in this position play a critical part in organizations' budgeting cycles and overall financial health.

What is a Variance Analysis job?

A Variance Analysis job involves examining financial data to identify differences between projected and actual figures. Professionals in this role analyze cost, revenue, and budget variances to determine reasons for discrepancies and provide insights for financial decision-making. They collaborate with accounting and finance teams to enhance forecasting accuracy and cost control. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are crucial for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Variance Analysis jobs in California? The most popular types of Variance Analysis jobs in California are:
Sr. Financial Analyst - Manufacturing

Sr. Financial Analyst - Manufacturing

Harbinger Motors Inc.

Garden Grove, CA

$86K - $107K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Overview

Harbinger Motors is looking for an experienced Sr. Financial Analyst - Manufacturing with a strong accounting background in cost accounting and operational finance. This role will be responsible for labor modeling, overhead absorption, standard cost variance analysis, inventory valuation, and month-end close support for our manufacturing operations. This role requires advanced analytical skills, extensive experience in manufacturing cost accounting, a thorough understanding of GAAP, and the ability to influence financial decision-making across factory operations.

What You'll Do:

  • Labor Modeling & Efficiency Tracking - Build and maintain labor models to track workforce efficiency across manufacturing lines; identify trends and surface insights to operations leadership.
  • Overhead Absorption - Calculate and monitor overhead absorption rates; investigate and explain over/under-absorption variances on a monthly basis.
  • Standard Cost Variance Analysis - Perform detailed purchase price, usage, and efficiency variance analysis; collaborate with operations to understand root causes and drive cost improvements.
  • Inventory Valuation, Roll-Forward & Accruals - Maintain accurate inventory valuation and prepare monthly roll-forwards and accruals across all inventory categories:
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with Accounts Payable, Operations, Engineering, and Logistics to ensure accurate recording of manufacturing costs and transactions.
  • Audit & Process Improvement - Assist with financial audits and recommend procedural improvements to ensure manufacturing accounting conforms to GAAP.
  • Special Projects - Assist with various special projects as required by the Accounting & Finance leadership team.

Who You Are:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
  • 5+ years of relevant accounting experience.
  • CPA/CPA Eligibility preferred, but not required.
  • Proven experience in cost accounting, standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
  • NetSuite experience preferred.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
  • Hands-on experience with inventory roll-forwards across RM, WIP, FG, and In-Transit categories.
  • Familiarity with scrap tracking, MRB processes, or factory reporting a strong plus.
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and ERP/MRP systems.