Senior Cost Accountant

Location: Northridge, CA (100% On-Site)
Assignment: 4-Month Contract-to-Hire
Pay Rate: $50/hour

Position Summary

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Accountant to support manufacturing operations through financial analysis, product costing, and inventory management. This role will partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to analyze manufacturing costs, investigate variances, maintain standard costing, and provide insights that drive operational efficiency and informed business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing cost variances, including labor, material, overhead, and purchase price variances, and identify root causes.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Prepare product cost estimates for new and existing products.
• Perform inventory reconciliations, valuation analysis, and investigate discrepancies.
• Support month-end close activities, including journal entries and general ledger reconciliations.
• Prepare cost analysis, profitability reporting, and financial reports for management.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Support annual financial audits and maintain compliance with GAAP and internal controls.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations to improve cost accuracy and operational performance.
• Participate in cycle counts and inventory reviews while identifying opportunities for process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and manufacturing finance.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to join a global leader in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
• High-impact role supporting manufacturing operations and business strategy.
• Contract-to-hire opportunity with strong potential for long-term employment.
• Competitive pay and collaborative team environment.