Title: Cost Accountant

Location: Cary, IL

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Schedule: onsite M-F

Sponsorship: No

About this role:

Our Client is seeking a detail-driven and analytical Cost Accountant to join their finance team. This role will be instrumental in managing and analyzing manufacturing costs to ensure accurate financial reporting and help drive operational efficiency. A key responsibility of this position is to proactively identify and implement strategies to reduce cost variances and support continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and report on manufacturing costs, including material, labor, and overhead variances.

• Develop, maintain, and update standard cost structures in alignment with current manufacturing processes.

• Assist in monthly close activities by preparing journal entries and reconciling inventory and cost-related accounts.

• Monitor inventory transactions and ensure accurate valuation of raw materials and finished goods.

• Conduct detailed product costing and gross margin analysis to support pricing and profitability decisions.

• Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to understand cost drivers and support cost reduction initiatives.

• Contribute to annual budgeting and forecasting processes with detailed cost and trend analysis.

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and applicable accounting standards.

• Support internal and external audits with relevant cost and inventory documentation.

Must haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting required
• 2-5+ years General Accounting/Costing experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Word and an ERP system required.
• Knowledge of inventory processes required.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, verbal and written communication skills and multi-tasking skills required.