Cost Accountant

Lee Hecht Harrison

Columbus, OH

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$28–$40 Per Hour
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Close, Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Business Support, Communication Skills, Cost Accounting, Cost Allocation, Cost Analysis, Cost Control, Cost Modeling, Cost Reporting, Data Analysis, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Finance, Financial Operations, Financial Reporting, Forecasting, Inventory Management, J D Edwards, Journal Entries, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Analysis, Manufacturing Operations, Microsoft Excel, NetSuite, Oracle, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Costing, Reconciliation, Reporting Dashboards, SAP, Standard Costing, Trend Analysis, Variable Costs, Variance Analysis, Vlookups
LOCATION
Columbus, OH
POSTED
8 days ago

Our client is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to support a growing manufacturing and operations-focused environment. This contract opportunity is expected to last at least six months and offers the chance to work closely with finance and operations teams to analyze costs, improve reporting, and support key business initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience with inventory and manufacturing accounting, and the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.

Responsibilities:

  • Analyze manufacturing, labor, material, and overhead costs to ensure accurate product costing and financial reporting.

  • Prepare and maintain standard cost models, cost allocations, and variance analyses.

  • Monitor inventory transactions and reconcile inventory balances to the general ledger.

  • Investigate cost variances and partner with operations teams to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

  • Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting.

  • Develop and maintain cost accounting reports, KPIs, and dashboards for management review.

  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning activities.

  • Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on cost controls and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.

  • 3+ years of accounting experience, with direct cost accounting experience strongly preferred.

  • Manufacturing or inventory accounting experience highly desired.

  • Strong knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory management principles.

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis functions.

  • Experience working within ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, NetSuite, Sage, or similar platforms.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

Pay Details: $28.00 to $40.00 per hour

Search managed by: Jessica Robbins

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

About the Company

L

Lee Hecht Harrison