Cost Accountant

Aston Carter; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Short & long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Cost Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist for a Vernon Hills, IL manufacturing environment. The role focuses on accurate product costing, AP processing, and supporting monthly financial closes.

You will analyze costs, manage vendor payments, maintain records, and collaborate with operations to improve cost efficiency. On-site duties with potential for remote flexibility are noted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Proficiency in accounting and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial transactions.
• Effective communication skills and ability to build relationships with vendors and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices for accuracy, proper documentation, and appropriate approvals.
• Ensure timely and accurate payments to suppliers and maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies with vendors and internal departments.
• Manage vendor inquiries and communicate effectively to resolve any billing issues.
• Process checks, ACH, wire, and online payments.
• Analyze product profitability and manufacturing costs.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close.
• Work with production and purchasing on cost improvement initiatives.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finan

Accounts payable experience

GAAP/financial controls

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Vendor communication

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft ERP systems

Business Central (Microsoft 365)

Job description

Job Title: Cost Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description: Join a leading manufacturer of innovative lab supplies and instruments as a Cost Accountant and Accounts Payable Specialist. This role requires you to maintain accurate product costing and analysis while managing the accounts payable process. You will support monthly financial closes, ensure timely vendor payments, maintain precise financial records, and collaborate with the operations team to enhance cost efficiency. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess strong problem-solving skills, this is the ideal opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices for accuracy, proper documentation, and appropriate approvals.
• Ensure timely and accurate payments to suppliers and maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Resolve invoice discrepancies with vendors and internal departments.
• Manage vendor inquiries and communicate effectively to resolve any billing issues.
• Process checks, ACH, wire, and online payments.
• Process RNI receipts and check item ledger entries.
• Maintain AP aging reports to ensure prompt payments and avoid late fees.
• Assist with AP reconciliations and accruals.
• Maintain financial records and ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits by providing necessary documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Maintain standard costs and perform cost rollups.
• Analyze material, labor, shipping, and overhead variances.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close.
• Analyze product profitability and manufacturing costs.
• Work with production and purchasing on cost improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial controls.
• Proficiency in accounting and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and financial transactions.
• Effective communication skills and ability to build relationships with vendors and internal teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing and distribution environment is a plus.
• Experience in Business Central (Microsoft 365) would be a major plus.
• Knowledge/understanding of costing.
• Credit card comfortability.
• 2+ years of Accounts Payable experience.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with Microsoft ERP systems.
• Accounts Receivable knowledge would be advantageous.

Work Environment

You will be part of a team of 4, including the Controller, Staff Accountant, and Sr. Collections. The role is onsite initially, with potential for remote flexibility. The environment is small, close-knit, and family-oriented, offering lots of freedom. The company offers a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with discretionary matching, paid holidays, and vacation. There is also a $1500/year allowance for professional development. The work culture is supportive, with an owner who cares about the individual and provides opportunities for success.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.