Cost Accountant Jobs
Cost Accountant jobs are open across manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and financial services, from entry-level staff accountant to senior and managerial roles, with specializations in standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 469+ Cost Accountant jobs
Description
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.
JOB SUMMARY: Supports day to day plant accounting functions by providing timely and accurately reported financial information while ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. A successful individual will have a focus on costs and areas where operational and management accounting principles will generate efficiencies for the operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Supports Operations by monitoring, preparing and evaluting detailed analytical reports regarding costs, productivity, efficiencies, spend and associates variances. Works with the operations team to provide actional operating improvements and process improvements for cost efficiencies. (45%)
- Performs various general accounting activities, including but not limited to journal entries and account reconciliations. (25%)
- Prepare and analyze standard cost and vendor price comparison of ingredient and packaging materials to monitor and to report purchase price variances, labor efficiency variances, manufacturing variances, etc. (20%)
- Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary (10%).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
1 or 2 years of related work experience as a cost accountant or plant accountant in a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):
- Manufacturing and managerial cost accounting principles (J)
- Generally accepted accounting principles (J)
- Cost accounting (J)
- Budgetary concepts and techniques (B)
- Pricing concepts and techniques (B)
- Inventory control concepts and techniques (J)
- Relevant department concepts, procedures, and regulations (B)
- PC word-processing/spreadsheet software applications (J)
- Project/assignment management techniques and procedures (B)
Skill and ability to:
- Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy
- Interpret accounting problems and identify appropriate solutions
- Interpret systems problems and identify appropriate solutions
- Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers verbally and in writing
- Prepare a variety of administrative and technical documents and reports
- Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
- Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
- Productivity/quality standards: accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness
- Productivity/quality standards: responsiveness and reliability
- Systems knowledge
- Project/assignment management
- Organization and attention to detail
- Teamwork within the department and across departments Customer satisfaction
WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.
Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:
- People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
- Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
- People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
- Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
- Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.
Description
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.
JOB SUMMARY: Supports day to day plant accounting functions by providing timely and accurately reported financial information while ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. A successful individual will have a focus on costs and areas where operational and management accounting principles will generate efficiencies for the operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Supports Operations by monitoring, preparing and evaluting detailed analytical reports regarding costs, productivity, efficiencies, spend and associates variances. Works with the operations team to provide actional operating improvements and process improvements for cost efficiencies. (45%)
- Performs various general accounting activities, including but not limited to journal entries and account reconciliations. (25%)
- Prepare and analyze standard cost and vendor price comparison of ingredient and packaging materials to monitor and to report purchase price variances, labor efficiency variances, manufacturing variances, etc. (20%)
- Performs other related and assigned duties as necessary (10%).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
1 or 2 years of related work experience as a cost accountant or plant accountant in a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of (B/basic; J/journey; E/expert):
- Manufacturing and managerial cost accounting principles (J)
- Generally accepted accounting principles (J)
- Cost accounting (J)
- Budgetary concepts and techniques (B)
- Pricing concepts and techniques (B)
- Inventory control concepts and techniques (J)
- Relevant department concepts, procedures, and regulations (B)
- PC word-processing/spreadsheet software applications (J)
- Project/assignment management techniques and procedures (B)
Skill and ability to:
- Read and process written information with a high degree of accuracy
- Interpret accounting problems and identify appropriate solutions
- Interpret systems problems and identify appropriate solutions
- Communicate and coordinate effectively with internal and external customers verbally and in writing
- Prepare a variety of administrative and technical documents and reports
- Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
- Act in accordance with GSF’s Values and Creed
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES
- Productivity/quality standards: accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness
- Productivity/quality standards: responsiveness and reliability
- Systems knowledge
- Project/assignment management
- Organization and attention to detail
- Teamwork within the department and across departments Customer satisfaction
WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.
Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:
- People First: At Golden State Foods, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.
- Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.
- People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.
- Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.
- Extensive Benefits: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.
Cost Accountant Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Cost Accountant JobsCost Accountant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Augmentis29A
- Jobot13
- Turner Construction Company6
- Loenbro5
- Allan Myers5
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing21
- Staffing & Recruiting14
- Electronics & Hardware8
- Consulting & Professional Services7
- Technology & Software4
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost accountant jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics
- Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and cost reporting
- Strong Excel skills including pivot tables and financial modeling
- CMA or CPA certification preferred or required for senior roles
- Familiarity with inventory accounting and month-end close processes
Tips for Your Cost Accountant Job Search
Quantify your variance analysis wins
Hiring managers for cost accountant roles want to see numbers behind your work. Replace phrases like 'managed cost reporting' with specific outcomes, such as how much you reduced overhead absorption errors or how quickly you closed the month-end cost cycle.
List your ERP and costing tools clearly
SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics are screened by applicant tracking systems before a recruiter ever reads your resume. Put the exact software names in a dedicated skills section so your application clears the filter for the roles you're targeting.
Target openings by costing methodology
Job postings for cost accountants often specify standard costing, activity-based costing, or job-order costing. Match your resume's language to the methodology named in each posting so your experience reads as a direct fit rather than a general accounting background.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists cost accountant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a technical case in interviews
Many cost accountant interviews include a scenario where you walk through a variance investigation or reconcile a product cost rollup. Practice explaining how you isolate price, rate, and usage variances out loud so your reasoning is clear under pressure.
Negotiate with total compensation in mind
Cost accounting roles in manufacturing and distribution often include shift differentials, bonus targets tied to inventory accuracy, or professional development funds for CMA or CPA exam support. Ask about these specifics rather than focusing the conversation on base pay alone.
Cost Accountant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most cost accountants?
The companies hiring the most cost accountants right now include Augmentis, Jobot, and Turner Construction Company, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Manufacturing, distribution, and large healthcare systems consistently represent the heaviest hiring volume for this role.
How many cost accountant jobs are remote?
About 32% of cost accountant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote options most common in roles focused on financial reporting, budgeting, and consolidations rather than plant-floor or inventory-counting responsibilities that require a physical presence at a manufacturing or warehouse site.
How do you become a cost accountant?
Start with a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, then build hands-on experience in general ledger work or accounts payable before moving into cost-specific roles. Gaining exposure to an ERP system and learning standard costing concepts on the job accelerates the transition. Earning a CMA certification signals specialized competency and opens doors to senior cost accounting positions.
Can you get hired as a cost accountant with little experience?
Yes, entry-level cost accountant roles exist, and employers often hire candidates who have completed internships in manufacturing or operations finance, even without full-time experience. Highlighting coursework in cost accounting or managerial accounting, familiarity with Excel-based cost models, and any exposure to inventory or production environments makes a limited resume significantly more competitive for these openings.
What does the cost accountant interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone screen focused on your accounting background and ERP familiarity, followed by a technical interview where you walk through variance analysis scenarios or explain how you'd close a product cost period. A final round often involves a hiring manager and a finance director, with some employers adding a short Excel or costing case exercise before the offer stage.
Where can I find and apply to cost accountant jobs?
You can find and apply to cost accountant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and target industry, and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 469+ Cost Accountant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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