Cost Accountant
Salary: Up to $90,000
Location: NW Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Cost Accountant with manufacturing experience to analyze and control costs, improve financial reporting, and provide key insights to optimize profitability. This role will focus on costing methods, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and financial planning to support operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in standard costing, cost analysis, and financial modeling within a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain standard costing models for raw materials, labor, and overhead.
- Analyze manufacturing costs, production variances, and inventory valuations to provide actionable insights.
- Monitor and reconcile cost of goods sold (COGS), work-in-progress (WIP), and raw material costs.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports, highlighting key financial trends and variances.
- Work closely with operations, supply chain, and production teams to improve cost efficiencies and drive continuous improvement.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to production costs, margins, and profitability.
- Conduct profitability analysis for products, customers, and business segments.
- Assist in the development and implementation of cost-saving initiatives to enhance operational performance.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and company financial policies related to cost accounting.
- Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and analysis.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of standard costing, job costing, and activity-based costing (ABC).
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.) for cost analysis and reporting.
- Advanced skills in Excel and financial modeling for cost and variance analysis.
- Familiarity with inventory control, BOM (Bill of Materials), and production process costing.
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with finance and operations teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification.
- Experience in automotive, aerospace, or high-volume manufacturing industries.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or cost reduction methodologies.
- Experience with capital expenditure (CapEx) analysis and ROI calculations.
