Cost Accountant Jobs in California
Cost Accountant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in manufacturing, technology, entertainment, and defense contracting, with openings from entry-level staff accountants through senior cost managers and controllers. Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, home to established employers such as Northrop Grumman, Cisco Systems, and The Walt Disney Company, all of which maintain substantial accounting functions in the state. Product costing, inventory valuation, and standard cost variance analysis are the sub-areas California employers request most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Cost Accountant jobs
JOB TITLE: Cost Accountant
TOP 3 SKILLS: Capital Budgeting & Financial Analysis, Advanced Data Analysis & Reporting, Capital Project Controls
LOCATION:
DURATION: Permanent
RATE RANGE: $95-120k/year
Position Summary:
This position supports the Engineering and District Operations teams in the development, analysis, and ongoing management of the Company’s Capital Budget. The role independently performs budgeting, reporting, and data analysis functions across multiple systems and supports regulatory, financial, and operational decision-making. This is a journey-level position within the technical classification series and requires the ability to work with limited supervision while exercising independent judgment within established policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Independently develop, maintain, and track capital project budgets using financial and project management systems.
- Perform budget analysis including variance analysis (planned vs. actual vs. approved) and identification of data discrepancies.
- Review and approve funding projects and work orders in accordance with established capital budgeting guidelines.
- Compile annual budgets, develop financial reports, and support forecasting of capital program spending.
- Prepare graphs, dashboards, and summary materials to communicate budget status, trends, and risks to management.
- Support regulatory activities including budget adjustments, documentation, and data requests associated with General Rate Case filings.
- Perform quality control and validation of capital project and budget data across systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Provide guidance and training to engineers and district staff on capital budget processes, tools, and requirements.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Accounting, IT, and District staff) to resolve data issues and improve data quality.
- Track and implement budget changes resulting from regulatory decisions, project updates, and internal approvals.
- Maintain documentation of budgeting processes, procedures, and data standards.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend enhancements to budgeting, reporting, and data management workflows.
- Performs work on site in assigned office location.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Valid California Class C Driver’s License.
- Additional education or related technical experience in budgeting, finance, engineering support, or project controls.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, structured tables, data analysis).
- Experience using financial, project management, or data management systems.
- Ability to independently prioritize and manage work across multiple assignments.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate data records.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
PREFERRED / DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Domain Knowledge
- 3+ years of experience supporting capital budgeting, project controls, cost estimating, or financial analysis.
- Experience working with capital infrastructure programs, construction projects, or regulated utility environments.
- Familiarity with General Rate Case processes, regulatory filings, or large-scale capital program management.
- Understanding of capital project lifecycle (planning, estimating, execution, closeout).
Technical / Systems Skills
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling, error-checking techniques).
- Experience with enterprise systems such as:
- PowerPlan
- Microsoft Project or similar project management system
- Power BI or other reporting/visualization tools
- Ability to work across multiple data sources and reconcile inconsistencies between systems.
Analytical & Process Skills
- Ability to analyze large datasets and identify trends, anomalies, and risks.
- Experience developing reports, dashboards, or data visualizations for decision-making.
- Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis concepts.
- Experience participating in or supporting process improvement initiatives.
- Understanding of data quality, validation, and governance principles.
Advanced Capability Signals
- Experience developing or improving budgeting or reporting processes.
- Experience training or supporting end-users on financial or project systems.
- Ability to translate technical and financial data into actionable insights for stakeholders.
- Exposure to integrated data environments (finance + project management + reporting).
- Working knowledge of capital portfolio or program-level reporting concepts.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.
JOB TITLE: Cost Accountant
TOP 3 SKILLS: Capital Budgeting & Financial Analysis, Advanced Data Analysis & Reporting, Capital Project Controls
LOCATION:
DURATION: Permanent
RATE RANGE: $95-120k/year
Position Summary:
This position supports the Engineering and District Operations teams in the development, analysis, and ongoing management of the Company’s Capital Budget. The role independently performs budgeting, reporting, and data analysis functions across multiple systems and supports regulatory, financial, and operational decision-making. This is a journey-level position within the technical classification series and requires the ability to work with limited supervision while exercising independent judgment within established policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Independently develop, maintain, and track capital project budgets using financial and project management systems.
- Perform budget analysis including variance analysis (planned vs. actual vs. approved) and identification of data discrepancies.
- Review and approve funding projects and work orders in accordance with established capital budgeting guidelines.
- Compile annual budgets, develop financial reports, and support forecasting of capital program spending.
- Prepare graphs, dashboards, and summary materials to communicate budget status, trends, and risks to management.
- Support regulatory activities including budget adjustments, documentation, and data requests associated with General Rate Case filings.
- Perform quality control and validation of capital project and budget data across systems to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Provide guidance and training to engineers and district staff on capital budget processes, tools, and requirements.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Accounting, IT, and District staff) to resolve data issues and improve data quality.
- Track and implement budget changes resulting from regulatory decisions, project updates, and internal approvals.
- Maintain documentation of budgeting processes, procedures, and data standards.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend enhancements to budgeting, reporting, and data management workflows.
- Performs work on site in assigned office location.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Valid California Class C Driver’s License.
- Additional education or related technical experience in budgeting, finance, engineering support, or project controls.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, structured tables, data analysis).
- Experience using financial, project management, or data management systems.
- Ability to independently prioritize and manage work across multiple assignments.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate data records.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
PREFERRED / DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Domain Knowledge
- 3+ years of experience supporting capital budgeting, project controls, cost estimating, or financial analysis.
- Experience working with capital infrastructure programs, construction projects, or regulated utility environments.
- Familiarity with General Rate Case processes, regulatory filings, or large-scale capital program management.
- Understanding of capital project lifecycle (planning, estimating, execution, closeout).
Technical / Systems Skills
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling, error-checking techniques).
- Experience with enterprise systems such as:
- PowerPlan
- Microsoft Project or similar project management system
- Power BI or other reporting/visualization tools
- Ability to work across multiple data sources and reconcile inconsistencies between systems.
Analytical & Process Skills
- Ability to analyze large datasets and identify trends, anomalies, and risks.
- Experience developing reports, dashboards, or data visualizations for decision-making.
- Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis concepts.
- Experience participating in or supporting process improvement initiatives.
- Understanding of data quality, validation, and governance principles.
Advanced Capability Signals
- Experience developing or improving budgeting or reporting processes.
- Experience training or supporting end-users on financial or project systems.
- Ability to translate technical and financial data into actionable insights for stakeholders.
- Exposure to integrated data environments (finance + project management + reporting).
- Working knowledge of capital portfolio or program-level reporting concepts.
BENEFITS SUMMARY:
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching.
See All 27 Cost Accountant Jobs in California
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Find Cost Accountant JobsCost Accountant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Cost Accountant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ferrotec (USA) Corporation2
- Baker Tilly1
- Bloom Energy1
- CBRE1
- Cerebras1
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing4
- Technology & Software4
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Electronics & Hardware3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost accountant jobs across California.
- CPA license issued or recognized by the California Board of Accountancy preferred
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field required
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite strongly preferred
- Three or more years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing or technology
- Strong working knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
Cost Accountant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cost accountant in California?
A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is the standard entry point for cost accountant roles in California. While no state license is required to work in the role itself, earning a CPA through the California Board of Accountancy or a Certified Management Accountant credential significantly improves hiring prospects and advancement. California employers in manufacturing and technology also value direct exposure to ERP systems and cost-accounting software from internships or prior staff accounting roles.
How much do cost accountants make in California?
Cost accountants in California earn a median of about $97,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,770 for the lowest 10% to over $160,520 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cost accountants in California?
Employers hiring cost accountants in California right now include Ferrotec (USA) Corporation, Baker Tilly, and Bloom Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of aerospace, semiconductor, consumer technology, and entertainment companies means demand for cost accountants with manufacturing or project-costing backgrounds is especially strong and consistent across the state.
Which California cities have the most cost accountant jobs?
San Jose, Garden Grove, and Livermore have the most cost accountant openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its dense mix of entertainment studios, aerospace contractors, and consumer goods manufacturers, while San Jose and the broader Bay Area draw demand from semiconductor and enterprise software companies, and San Diego's defense and biotech sectors generate steady need for cost accountants supporting government contracts and research operations.
Are there remote cost accountant jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many finance roles, since cost accounting analysis is largely desk-based and can be performed without daily on-site presence. About 11% of cost accountant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting broader flexibility in analytical finance. Month-end close support and ERP work are the tasks most commonly performed on a hybrid schedule, while physical inventory counts typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a cost accountant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a staff accountant or accounting analyst role inside a California manufacturing, defense, or technology company, then transitioning into cost functions once you have ERP exposure. Large California employers such as Northrop Grumman and Cisco Systems run rotational finance programs for recent graduates. Pursuing the CPA through the California Board of Accountancy, or beginning a Certified Management Accountant credential, signals seriousness to hiring managers and compensates for limited direct cost-accounting experience.
Where can I find and apply to cost accountant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cost accountant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 27 Cost Accountant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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