Cost Accountant

Mechanix; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mechanix Wear LLC’s Chicago Protective Apparel team in Skokie, IL is seeking a Cost Accountant to analyze production costs, maintain standard costing, and support manufacturing with accurate financial data.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing, strong GAAP knowledge, and proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel; you will also be skilled at writing clear SOPs and cost documentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience with GAAP and cost accounting principles.
• Proficient with ERP systems and advanced Excel.
• Ability to write clear SOPs and cost documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication with non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Prepare monthly cost variance analysis and report findings to management.
• Reconcile inventory accounts and perform periodic physical inventory counts.
• Analyze production costs and recommend process improvements to reduce costs.
• Prepare and post journal entries related to cost accounting activities.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and cost forecasts.
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead).
• Maintain the integrity of the bill of materials (BOM) and routing data in the ERP system.
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, and production teams to ensure accurate cost data.
• Support audits by providing documentation and analysis.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies.
• Write SOPs for cost accounting processes and controls.
• Support management with financial, operational, and strategic analyses.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing experience

Excel

ERP software

GAAP

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Cost Accountant

Full Time Management Skokie, IL, US 1 Attachments

Salary Range: $81,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

Join our Chicago Protective Apparel Team! A division of Mechanix Wear LLC.

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing production costs, maintaining standard costing systems, and supporting manufacturing and operations teams with accurate financial data.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience with cost accounting principles in a manufacturing or production environment, and will be comfortable working within established, traditional processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned.

Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead
• Prepare monthly cost variance analysis and report findings to management
• Reconcile inventory accounts and perform periodic physical inventory counts
• Analyze production costs and recommend process improvements to reduce costs
• Prepare and post journal entries related to cost accounting activities
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and cost forecasts
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead)
• Maintain the integrity of the bill of materials (BOM) and routing data in the ERP system
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, and production teams to ensure accurate cost data
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies
• Write clear, detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cost accounting processes and controls
• Support management with financial, operational, and strategic analyses, including manufacturing optimization, cost-saving initiatives, purchasing challenges, and other special projects.

Minimum Qualifications

The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.

Experience

• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Apparel manufacturing experience a plus, not required
• Comfortable working with traditional, hands-on accounting methods and legacy systems/processes (not solely reliant on the latest automation or software)
• Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to write detailed, clear SOPs and process documentation
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain financial data to non-financial stakeholders.