Cost Accountant

WITTENSTEIN North America; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place To Work

Competitive salary

Incentive plan 5%

Profit sharing 5%

Health benefits

Dental & vision included

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

WITTENSTEIN North America is seeking a cost accountant to support the Senior Plant Accountant and assist with general accounting functions at the Bartlett, IL facility.

You will help with the monthly close, cost analysis, BOM accuracy, standard costing updates, and budgeting, while ensuring GAAP compliance and cross-department collaboration. The role emphasizes strong Excel, SAP experience, and the ability to work across teams to drive cost savings and accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• 2–5 years in cost or manufacturing accounting or financial analysis.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups).
• Experience with SAP and ERP systems.
• Solid GAAP knowledge and cost accounting principles.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Monthly-End Close — prepare journal entries, cost accruals, and reconciliations.
• Cost Analysis — analyze manufacturing or service costs including variances.
• Variance Reporting — explain variances and work with operations on root causes.
• Standard Costing — support standard cost models and cost roll ups.
• Inventory Accounting — inventory adjustments and cycle counts.
• Budgeting & Forecasting — support annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Process Improvement — identify inefficiencies and propose cost-saving initiatives.
• General Accounting — assist A/R and A/P processes.
• Compliance & Controls — ensure GAAP and internal controls.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing accounting

Excel

SAP experience

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

Job description

Responsibilities

This position supports the Senior Plant Accountant and assists with General Accounting functions. This person is responsible for assisting with the financial close processes for the manufacturing facility as well as planning cycles for direct costing. They will assist with bill of material maintenance, new product costing, costing for quotations for our project based businesses and ad hoc analysis. They will also assist with General Accounting functions including A/R, A/P, and Management reporting/presentations. It requires an individual with knowledge of Standard Costing, General Accounting knowledge and strong analytical skills who can perform reconciliations and analysis.

• Monthly-End Close — Prepare journal entries, cost accrual and reconciliations for production and project-based businesses.
• Cost Analysis — Analyze manufacturing or service delivery costs, including labor, materials, overhead, and variances.
• Variance Reporting — Prepare and explain material, labor, and overhead variances; partner with operations to address root causes.
• Standard Costing — Support and update standard cost models; perform periodic cost roll ups.
• Inventory Accounting — Inventory adjustments, reconcile inventory, review BOM accuracy, and support cycle counts/physical inventory.
• Budgeting & Forecasting — Support annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and cost related financial planning.
• Process Improvement — Identify inefficiencies and recommend cost saving initiatives.
• General Accounting—Assist A/R with web portals and A/P with gathering and inputting information
• Compliance & Controls — Ensure adherence to GAAP and internal control requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum 2-5 years in a cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or financial analysis within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, modeling).
• SAP experience required.
• Understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles.
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to see the whole picture.
• Demonstrates efficient time management, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working within ERP systems essential: SAP.
• Establishes priorities effectively and maintains flexibility as priorities change.
• Strong team player who is able to work across multiple departments and levels.
• Proven ability to prioritize objectives and consistently meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Great Place To Work Certified
• Competitive Base Salary
• Incentive Plan up to 5% annually
• Profit Sharing up to 5% annuallyExcellent Health Benefits
• Monthly medical premiums at 50% to 75% below market.Annual deductible & copays below market.Higher percentage if medical coverage than market.
• No monthly premiums for dental & vision.
• Matching 401(k) Contribution
• Wellness Reimbursement (50% up t $500/year)
• Climate controlled production environment
• Wellness Rewards Redeemed for Gift Cards
• Short-Term Disability Insurance & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Tuition Reimbursement

About WITTENSTEIN

Committed to being a world-class partner of intelligent mechatronic drive technology, servo systems, and mechanical components. WITTENSTEIN uses the power of science, innovation, and forward-thinking engineering to provide you cutting-edge technology for motion. Since pioneering the alpha servo planetary gear reducer in 1983, support and motion requirements from the market have continued to change and WITTENSTEIN is well positioned to deliver reliable products and services to its customers and partners.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or other status protected by applicable law. WITTENSTEIN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.

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