About the Sr. Cost Accountant Role at Robert Half

Robert Half Management Resources is excited to partner with a leading manufacturing client in Columbus, Ohio, to find a talented Sr. Cost Accountant for a contract-to-hire engagement. This pivotal role focuses on analyzing and managing costs for custom-engineered products in a dynamic manufacturing environment. As a key contributor to financial accuracy and operational efficiency, you will work 100% onsite at our client's state-of-the-art facility in Columbus, Ohio. The initial contract is expected to last at least 3 months, with strong potential for permanent hire based on performance and business needs.

This position is ideal for seasoned cost accounting professionals passionate about manufacturing cost control, inventory management, and profitability optimization. Join Robert Half's network of top finance talent and advance your career in one of Ohio's thriving industrial hubs. With Columbus's growing manufacturing sector, this role offers exposure to innovative custom-engineered products and cutting-edge production processes.

Key Responsibilities

In this Sr. Cost Accountant position, you will drive financial precision across the manufacturing lifecycle. Your core duties include:

• Maintaining Product Costs and BOMs: Analyze and update bills of materials (BOMs) to ensure accurate product costing for custom-engineered items.
• Cost Data Analysis: Deliver detailed insights supporting pricing strategies, quoting, and comprehensive profitability analysis.
• Cost Monitoring: Track material, labor, and overhead expenses, spotting trends and efficiency opportunities.
• Inventory Management: Conduct valuations and reconciliations to uphold financial reporting integrity.
• Variance Reporting: Prepare cost variance and margin reports, investigating discrepancies with actionable recommendations.

Additional responsibilities encompass cross-functional collaboration with production, engineering, purchasing, and project management teams. You will support month-end closes, ensure regulatory compliance, participate in internal audits, and lead continuous improvement initiatives for cost accounting processes. This role also involves margin analysis for project-based operations and providing precise cost projections for estimating and quoting.

Required Qualifications for Sr. Cost Accountant

To excel in this role, candidates should demonstrate:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience in manufacturing settings.
• Deep expertise in GAAP, standard costing, and activity-based costing methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros).
• Proven track record in inventory reconciliation, variance analysis, and BOM maintenance.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in profitability modeling and cost optimization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating across departments.
• Comfortable in a 100% onsite manufacturing environment.

CPA, CMA certification, or manufacturing industry experience is highly preferred. Knowledge of custom-engineered products and project-based manufacturing is a significant advantage.

Why Join Us at Robert Half in Columbus, OH?

Robert Half Management Resources offers unparalleled support for your professional journey. This contract-to-hire opportunity provides immediate impact while paving the way for long-term stability with our prestigious client. Enjoy competitive compensation, potential full benefits upon conversion, and access to Robert Half's extensive career resources, including training and networking events.

Columbus, Ohio, boasts a vibrant economy with major manufacturing players, offering an ideal setting for cost accounting careers. Benefit from a collaborative culture, continuous improvement focus, and the chance to influence strategic pricing and profitability decisions. With Robert Half's reputation for placing top talent, this role positions you for advancement in manufacturing finance.

Apply today to secure your place in this essential Sr. Cost Accountant role. Robert Half is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment. We look forward to connecting your expertise with this exciting opportunity in Columbus, Ohio's manufacturing landscape.