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 or related field
• 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: 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.