Description We are offering a short term contract employment opportunity for a Cost Accountant in the manufacturing industry, based in Watsonville, California. This role involves updating inventory costs, monitoring inventory activities, working with various stakeholders, and providing insightful analyses to assist management in decision making. Responsibilities: • Collaborate with other departments such as accounts payable, purchasing, logistics, distribution, etc. • Handle inventory quantity monitoring and adjustments across multiple locations • Update costing on inventory items on a regular basis • Monitor and track inventory movement through transfers and returns between locations • Collaborate with internal IT department and business project managers on new developments • Work with third party vendors on cooling services, review fruit volumes and invoices • Provide weekly validation invoice report to accounts payable for payment approval • Prepare and provide full analysis of inventory reports by item, location, and cost • Execute service margin related journal entries, validation, and financial review process • Collaborate with the Procurement team to provide analysis on costing and profitability by item/SKU # • Complete account reconciliations of inventory and other accounts • Create and update standard operating procedures (SOP’s) • Work with PBC schedules, auditor requests, and provide sample data • Present monthly actual versus budget analytics to help management • Complete inventory revaluation analysis for fruit and packaging • Perform reclassification and accrual research between GL accounts • Prepare and enter multiple Journal Entries for month-end close • Provide inventory reserve analysis and proposals for booking reserves on a quarterly basis. Requirements • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a cost accounting role within the manufacturing industry • Proficient in Accounting Software Systems • Experience with ADP - Financial Services • Ability to use Crystal Reports • Experienced in using Epicor • Familiar with ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning • Comprehensive understanding of Accounting Functions • Hands-on experience with Accounts Payable (AP) • Proven experience in Auditing • Knowledge of Budget Processes • Ability to handle Cash Activity 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) .