Description We are looking for a detail-oriented Cost Accountant for our client in Holden, Louisiana. In this short-term contract to full time position, you will play a critical role in analyzing and managing financial impacts related to operations, logistics, and inventory control. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in cost accounting practices, particularly within manufacturing environments, and demonstrate proficiency in financial systems such as Great Plains. Responsibilities: • Analyze and track sales, cost of sales, and gross margins across product lines to ensure accurate financial reporting. • Support financial planning processes, including annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and strategic plans. • Monitor job costs to verify proper allocation of materials, labor, and overhead. • Perform accurate inventory valuation, including raw materials and finished goods, under average and actual costing methodologies. • Coordinate and oversee annual physical inventory processes while implementing cycle count programs to enhance accuracy. • Conduct quarterly assessments of excess and obsolete inventory and manage lower cost or market calculations. • Provide detailed analysis of manufacturing costs, including labor, overhead, and warranty expenses. • Prepare financial reports to support capital investment evaluations and product-related decision-making. • Ensure timely month-end reconciliations and journal entries related to cost accounting. • Generate and maintain metrics reports, including inventory levels, labor hours, and other operational data. Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field. • Minimum of 5 years of cost accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and financial modeling. • Strong understanding of financial systems, with experience in Great Plains highly preferred. • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively. • Familiarity with activity-based costing and lean manufacturing principles. • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. • Strong communication skills to collaborate across departments. Robert Half puts you in the best position to succeed by advocating on your behalf and promoting you to employers. Apply today! 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. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .