Cost Accountant

Company: Robert Half
Location: Franklin
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Our client, a respected industry leader, is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join their manufacturing finance team. As a key member of the finance department, you will provide essential financial support to plant operations—enhancing profitability, enforcing strong controls, and ensuring accurate cost accounting in accordance with GAAP. You will play a leadership role with plant inventory, standard costing, systems upgrades, process improvement, and financial reporting. Key Responsibilities: Ensure timely and accurate accounting/reporting of cost of goods sold and inventory general ledger accounts. Act as finance lead for system upgrades (Sage and Alere) related to cost accounting processes. Oversee accuracy of standard costs—including bill of materials, item costs, labor routings/rates, and overhead allocations. Report cost variances and partner with operations and supervisors to analyze and reduce variances from standard costs. Safeguard the accuracy and controls of plant physical inventory; drive monthly cutoffs for receiving/shipping and internal controls. Support product pricing and gross margin evaluations by SKU and customer; analyze labor efficiencies and staffing. Analyze root causes of scrap, perform inventory cycle counts, and provide actionable management reporting for cost improvement. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to track, analyze, and drive cost savings initiatives related to materials, labor, and overhead. Utilize activity-based costing (ABC) to allocate overhead and enhance operational decision-making. Work hands-on with plant floor supervisors to ensure understanding and adherence to standard costs and variances. Participate in Kaizen and process improvement activities; prepare investment analysis (IRR, payback, NPV) for new equipment. Prepare plant accruals per GAAP and reconcile plant-related G/L accounts. Perform other finance functions and ad hoc analysis as required. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. Minimum of 3 years direct experience in cost accounting, preferably in a manufacturing environment. CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred. Proficient with US GAAP and process/standard cost accounting principles. Advanced analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated experience driving process improvements and partnering cross-functionally. Strong expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access). Prior experience with Sage and Alere systems highly desirable. Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage multiple assignments. Proven success as a strategically oriented financial analyst supporting production planning and operations. Ready for your next challenge? Apply today to learn more about this exceptional opportunity and how you can make a tangible impact in an industry-leading manufacturing organization. Cost Accounting, Manufacturing Cost Accounting, Standard Cost Accounting, Cost - Standard, Cost Analysis, US GAAP, GAAP Accounting, Financial Analysis

Keywords: Robert Half, Lincoln , Cost Accountant, Accounting, Auditing , Franklin, Nebraska