Cost Analyst / Accounts Receivable Analyst (Contract)
Position Title: Cost Analyst / AR Analyst (Contract) Location: Houston, TX (Local Candidates Only) Duration: 9–12 Month Contract Work Arrangement: Primarily Remote (Occasional In-Office Presence Required)
Position Overview
Our client is seeking a highly analytical Cost Analyst / AR Analyst to support a growing accounting function focused on cost recovery, discrepancy analysis, and process improvement initiatives.
This role will partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to investigate variances between systems, identify opportunities for cost recovery, and support evolving business processes. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in ambiguous environments, enjoys solving complex problems, and can help establish new processes where limited documentation exists.
Key Responsibilities
Compare and reconcile data across multiple internal systems
Investigate discrepancies, variances, and exceptions
Analyze trends and identify root causes of accounting differences
Support vendor cost recovery initiatives
Communicate directly with external vendors regarding discrepancies and recovery opportunities
Perform data analysis using Excel and reporting tools
Assist with the development and documentation of new accounting processes
Support operational and financial process improvement initiatives
Collaborate with accounting, operations, and business stakeholders on special projects
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
Experience in accounting, accounts receivable, cost accounting, financial analysis, or similar analytical roles
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Advanced Excel skills with experience managing large data sets
Strong attention to detail and investigative mindset
Ability to work independently in evolving environments
Strong communication skills and vendor-facing professionalism
Technical aptitude and ability to learn new systems quickly
Preferred Qualifications
Retail accounting experience
Cost accounting experience
Financial analyst background
Exposure to SQL
SQL Experience (Nice to Have)
Candidates do not need advanced SQL development experience but should ideally have exposure to:
Reading SQL queries
Running existing SQL reports
Making minor modifications to existing queries
Ideal Candidate Profile
Mid-level accounting or finance professional
Strong analytical thinker who enjoys solving business problems
Comfortable working with undefined processes and creating structure
Experience identifying trends, variances, and opportunities within large data sets
Adaptable, curious, and process-improvement oriented
Interested in a dynamic contract opportunity with meaningful business impact
Preferred Backgrounds
Retail accounting
Cost accounting
Revenue accounting
Accounts receivable analysis
Financial analysis
Operational accounting
Note:Â Candidates from highly traditional accounting environments may be less successful if they lack experience with analytical, investigative, and process-building responsibilities. This role is best suited for professionals who enjoy digging into data, solving problems, and driving operational improvements.
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