Interim Cost Accountant: TC

Sikich; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 39,000 - 63,000; Part time

Job summary

Sikich in Tempe, AZ seeks an interim Cost Accountant to support manufacturing, distribution, and industrial clients. The role covers standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost control initiatives during a temporary engagement.

You will analyze costs, assist month-end close, and partner with plant leadership to drive profitability. We prefer 2+ years in cost or manufacturing accounting, GAAP knowledge, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 2+ years in cost accounting or factory accounting.
• Experience in manufacturing environments preferred.
• Solid GAAP knowledge.
• Proficient Excel with Pivot Tables and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, MS Dynamics, Infor.

Responsibilities

• Analyze product, inventory, labor, and overhead costs for decision making.
• Prepare standard costs and conduct cost roll-ups.
• Perform inventory accounting, reconciliations, and valuation analysis.
• Assist month-end close, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Analyze variances and provide insights to operations and finance.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to improve cost controls.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Advanced Excel

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

JD Edwards

Microsoft Dynamics

Infor

Job description

Back Interim Cost Accountant
Accounting & Finance Tempe , Arizona Temp/Contract Oct 15, 2026

Cost Accountant
Sikich is actively building a network of Cost Accounting professionals for current and future opportunities with our manufacturing, distribution, and industrial clients. Whether you're actively exploring a new role or simply interested in staying connected regarding upcoming opportunities, we'd love to hear from you!

Responsibilities of a Cost Accountant May Include:

• Analyzing product, inventory, labor, and overhead costs to support business decision-making
• Preparing and maintaining standard costs and conducting cost roll-ups
• Performing inventory accounting, reconciliations, and valuation analysis
• Supporting month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations
• Analyzing manufacturing variances and providing insights to operations and finance leadership
• Partnering with plant leadership to improve cost controls and operational efficiency

Our Clients Seek Sikich Consultants Who Can Support Some or All of the Following:

• Cost accounting activities, including standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and cost allocations
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including preparation of journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
• Analysis of manufacturing costs, production performance, scrap, labor utilization, and overhead absorption
• Inventory cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory reserve assessments
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning support related to product and plant costs
• Preparation of management reporting packages and key performance indicator (KPI) reporting
• Identification and implementation of process improvements, automation initiatives, and cost-saving opportunities
• ERP system implementations, enhancements, and data validation related to costing and inventory processesSupport for internal and external audits, including documentation and controls testing
• Cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance teams

Typical Requirements for Consideration:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
• 2+ years of cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, inventory accounting, or related experience
• Experience working within manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, industrial, or related environments preferred
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and inventory accounting principles
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, Lookups, and data analysis tools
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, or similar platforms
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward professional certification is a plus

Interested in future Cost Accounting opportunities? Join our Talent Community today to stay informed about upcoming consulting, project-based, interim, and direct-hire opportunities with Sikich clients.