Senior Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Great Dane•Chicago, IL

14h

About The Position

The Senior Manufacturing Cost Accountant is responsible for full ownership of the general ledger and financial reporting for two assigned manufacturing locations. The role partners with plant leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain to support accurate product costing, margin analysis, and financial visibility across the business. It calls for strong technical accounting skills, a proactive operational mindset, and the ability to work in a multi-facility manufacturing environment. The position owns monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities; prepares financial statements and supporting schedules; analyzes variances; and provides management reporting. It also performs product costing and margin analysis, supports budgeting and forecasting, maintains plant-level internal controls, oversees inventory reconciliation, and uses ERP, Excel, and PowerBI tools to improve reporting and processes. Domestic travel of 10–15% is expected. The work takes place in office and plant environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
At least 3 years of accounting experience.
Strong understanding of cost accounting principles.
Experience with ERP systems.
Advanced Excel proficiency.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Willingness to travel 10–15% domestically.

Nice To Haves

Accounting experience in manufacturing or public accounting.
CPA preferred but not required.
Experience with JDE ERP.

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for assigned plants.
Prepare accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
Analyze variances versus budget, forecast, and prior year.
Prepare management reporting packages with commentary on performance drivers.
Coordinate year-end reporting requirements and support external audit processes.
Perform detailed product costing and margin analysis.
Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances.
Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
Collaborate with plant leadership to model cost drivers and volume assumptions.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls across plant operations.
Monitor expense activity and ensure proper accruals and cut-off procedures.
Safeguard company assets through inventory oversight and reconciliation.
Assist with physical inventory observation at year end.
Use an ERP system such as JDE to drive reporting accuracy.
Use advanced Excel skills to improve reporting efficiency.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance financial visibility within PowerBI.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting function.
Perform other duties as assigned.