Cost Accountant

Ledgent; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ledgent in Orange, CA is seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join our manufacturing client’s accounting team. The role focuses on analyzing manufacturing costs, maintaining inventory accuracy, and supporting month-end close with actionable financial insights.

You will partner with Accounting, Finance, and Operations to improve costing accuracy, analyze variances, manage standard costs, and prepare reports that drive operational efficiency. Strong Excel and ERP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for manufactured products.
• Prepare inventory, labor, overhead, and production cost reports.
• Monitor manufacturing variances and advise corrective actions.
• Support month-end close processes and journal entries.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and assist audits.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel (advanced)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Orange, CA
Industry: Manufacturing

Compensation: $90,000 - 105,000 DOE

Company Overview

Our client is a growing and innovative manufacturing company dedicated to delivering high-quality products and operational excellence. They are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Accountant to join their accounting team and support financial operations, inventory management, and cost analysis as the company continues to expand.

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, maintaining inventory accuracy, supporting month-end close activities, and providing financial insights to improve operational performance. This role will work closely with Accounting, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure accurate reporting and effective cost management.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for manufactured products
• Prepare and review inventory, labor, overhead, and production cost reports
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances, identifying trends and recommending corrective actions
• Perform inventory reconciliations and assist with cycle counts and physical inventories
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations
• Analyze and report on inventory reserves, obsolescence, and slow-moving inventory
• Collaborate with operations and production teams to improve costing accuracy and operational efficiency
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies
• Support external audits by preparing schedules and providing required documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, controls, and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 3+ years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing accounting principles
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills and ability to partner cross-functionally
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.