Accountant

Sikich; Marengo (IL); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Sikich is seeking an Interim Staff or Senior Accountant to support general ledger and manufacturing cost accounting during a major ERP implementation. The role includes month-end close, journal entries, variance analysis, and collaboration with Operations to ensure accurate cost reporting.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in accounting within manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP experience, and solid knowledge of standard costing and inventory accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience as Staff/Senior/Cost Accountant or similar role.
• Understanding of standard costing and inventory accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP) and ERP experience.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile balance sheet and general ledger accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries for close.
• Analyze financial results and account activity for accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with accounting team on financial reporting and compliance.
• Investigate variances and propose corrective actions.
• Support cost accounting and ERP implementation projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Back Accountant

Accounting & Finance Temp/Contract Oct 15, 2026

Interim Staff/Senior Accountant – Cost Accounting & General Ledger

Location: Marengo, IL (McHenry County)

Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days onsite per week

Duration: Through March 2027, with potential for extension based on the ERP implementation timeline

Compensation: Approximately $45-$55/hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Employment Type: Contract Only (not contract-to-hire)

Start Date: As soon as available

Overview

Sikich is seeking an experienced Interim Staff or Senior Accountant to support both general accounting and manufacturing cost accounting functions during our client’s major ERP implementation. This individual will play a key role in month-end close activities, account reconciliations, financial analysis, inventory-related accounting, and cost accounting processes within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in general ledger accounting combined with hands-on exposure to manufacturing cost accounting concepts, including standard costing and inventory accounting.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform balance sheet and general ledger account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries to support accurate and timely month-end close processes.
• Analyze financial results and account activity to ensure accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with the accounting team to support financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Investigate variances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with special projects and other accounting responsibilities as needed.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Support

• Support standard cost maintenance and cost updates within the ERP system.
• Analyze actual versus standard costs and investigate significant manufacturing variances.
• Assist with inventory accounting processes, including raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to identify and resolve cost and inventory data issues.
• Support product costing analysis and reporting used for operational and financial decision-making.
• Participate in costing-related activities associated with the company's ERP implementation.

Cross-Functional & Project Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on ERP implementation activities and process improvement initiatives.
• Support product launches, manufacturing initiatives, and cost improvement efforts.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support business and operational decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience in a Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Cost Accountant, or similar accounting role.
• Understanding of standard costing and how standard costs are assigned to products.
• Working knowledge of inventory accounting, including raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing cost variances and related financial data.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, XLOOKUPs, and data analysis tools.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing accounting experience.
• Experience supporting ERP implementations, conversions, or major systems projects.
• Exposure to inventory valuation, standard costing, and manufacturing reporting.

Important Notes

• This is a contract-only engagement and is not intended to convert to permanent employment.
• Experience with manufacturing cost accounting is required.
• Project costing experience alone is not sufficient for this role; candidates should have experience with standard costing and inventory accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Excel skills are essential for success in this role.

This engagement is expected to continue through March 2027, with the possibility of extension if the ERP implementation timeline is adjusted. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to a significant business transformation initiative while supporting core accounting and manufacturing finance operations.