Job Information
Robert Half Sr. Cost Accountant in Mira Loma, California
Description
A leading food & beverage manufacturing organization is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant for a contract assignment supporting plant and corporate finance operations. This is a high‑visibility, hands‑on role requiring deep manufacturing cost accounting expertise combined with strong financial analysis and business partnership capabilities.
This opportunity is ideal for a senior‑level professional who thrives in complex production environments and can drive insights that directly impact margin, efficiency, and profitability.
Why This Role
Senior‑level scope with direct influence on cost control and margin performance
Heavy exposure to operational finance and plant leadership
Critical support role with immediate impact
Dynamic food manufacturing environment with real‑time production variables
Key Responsibilities
Lead and maintain product costing across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
Own standard vs. actual cost analysis, including material, labor, overhead, yield, and absorption
Perform detailed variance analysis (PPV, usage, labor, overhead, yield, spoilage)
Prepare and present cost, margin, and profitability analysis to Operations and Finance leadership
Support inventory accounting, including:
Physical inventories and cycle counts
Reconciliation of inventory balances
Analysis of shrink, waste, obsolescence, and spoilage
Maintain and update Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and production standards
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement to:
Identify cost drivers and inefficiencies
Improve production economics and pricing assumptions
Support month‑end close, including cost‑related journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations
Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and rolling margin analysis
Provide ad‑hoc financial modeling and decision support for:
New products
Production changes
Cost‑reduction initiatives
Ensure costing methodologies align with GAAP and food manufacturing best practices
Support audit requests and internal controls related to inventory and costing
What We’re Looking For
Senior Cost Accountant with Food & Beverage manufacturing experience (required)
Strong background in:
Standard costing environments
Plant‑level manufacturing finance
Inventory‑intensive operations
Advanced financial analysis and variance explanation skills
ERP experience required (food manufacturing ERP experience preferred)
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, cost models)
Ability to work independently and add value immediately
Strong communicator who can translate data into actionable insight
Requirements
7+ years of experience in cost accounting
Bachelor's degree
Experience in Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, or Epicor preferred
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available including medical, vision, dental, life and disability insurance. Employees hired for our FTEP Program are also eligible to enroll in our company’s 401(k) or deferred compensation plan (if eligible). FTEP employees also earn paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and sick time and paid holidays. The amount of Choice Time Off (CTO) received varies based on years of service and is pro-rated based on the hours worked per week. A new FTEP employee earns up to 13 days of CTO and up to 10 paid holidays per calendar year. Learn more at roberthalfbenefits.com/Resources.
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