Cost Accountant

LHH; Rialto (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to support manufacturing operations with cost analysis, inventory management, and financial reporting.

This role partners with operations to identify cost-saving opportunities, maintain accurate standard costs, and provide budgeting and forecasting support. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Accounting and at least two years cost accounting experience in manufacturing, with strong Excel and ERP skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations teams on cost improvement initiatives.
• Maintain and oversee cost accounting activities, ensuring GAAP compliance.
• Monitor inventory valuation and costing methods to keep records accurate.
• Analyze costs, variances, and performance metrics to identify cost reductions.
• Assist with preparation of monthly/periodic financial reports, including P&L statements.
• Review and update standard costs, labor rates, and overhead allocations as needed.
• Develop and present margin analysis and cost reporting to management.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and long-range planning with finance leadership.
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and reconciliation processes.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Inventory management systems

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to support manufacturing operations through accurate cost analysis, inventory management, and financial reporting. This individual will partner closely with operational leaders to identify cost‑saving opportunities, improve profitability, and ensure the integrity of inventory and cost accounting processes. The role plays a key part in maintaining accurate product costing, supporting budgeting efforts, and driving operational efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and overall operational performance.
• Maintain and oversee cost accounting activities, ensuring adherence to U.S. GAAP and established internal accounting policies.
• Monitor inventory valuation and costing methodologies to ensure accurate inventory records and minimize write-offs or adjustments.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, variances, and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement.
• Assist with the preparation of daily, monthly, and periodic financial reports, including profit and loss statements.
• Review and update standard costs, labor rates, and overhead allocations as needed.
• Develop and present margin analysis, inventory trends, and cost reporting to management.
• Provide financial analysis and costing support for strategic and operational business decisions.
• Coordinate and support physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and long‑range planning activities in partnership with finance leadership.
• Participate in ERP system enhancements, upgrades, and process improvement initiatives.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence programs through financial analysis and reporting.
• Perform additional accounting and financial analysis duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working within ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing finance platforms and inventory management systems is highly preferred.
• Ability to analyze large data sets and present meaningful financial insights to operational stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers