Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Great Dane LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package including medical, Rx

Retirement plan with 401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Great Dane LLC is seeking a Cost Accountant to own the general ledger and cost reporting for a manufacturing location. You will partner with plant leadership to drive accurate product costing, margin analysis, and financial visibility across the business.

The role requires 3+ years in accounting in manufacturing, strong cost accounting skills, and proficiency with ERP (JDE) and Excel. Travel and cross-functional collaboration are expected in a multi-facility environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
• 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or public accounting.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Strong cost accounting knowledge and ERP proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for assigned plants.
• Prepare accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Analyze variances vs budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Prepare management reporting packages with commentary on performance drivers.
• Coordinate year-end reporting and support external audits.
• Perform detailed product costing and margin analysis.
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances.
• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting.
• Maintain internal control structure across plant operations.
• Monitor expense activity and ensure proper accruals and cut-off procedures.
• Assist with physical inventory observation at year end.

Skills

Cost accounting

ERP systems (JDE)

Advanced Excel

Communication

Multitasking

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

CPA preferred but not required

Tools

PowerBI

JDE

Job description

Overview

THE ROLE

At Great Dane, we rely on makers and we’re calling on them to join our expanding team, the time has never been better to Embrace Your Great and work in an environment with the highest safety standards in the industry.

The Position: The Cost Accountant is responsible for full ownership of the general ledger and financial reporting for one assigned manufacturing location. This role partners closely with plant leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain to ensure accurate product costing, margin analysis, and financial visibility across the business. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with a proactive, operational mindset and the ability to thrive in a multi-facility manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Financial Reporting & Close Process

• 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 clear commentary on performance drivers


• Coordinate year-end reporting requirements and support external audit processes

Cost Accounting & Operational Partnership

• Perform detailed product costing and margin analysis


• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes


• Collaborate with plant leadership to model cost drivers and volume assumptions

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen internal control structure 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

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize ERP system (JDE or similar) to drive reporting accuracy


• Leverage 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


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (required).


• Experience: 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or public accounting
  
  
  
  • CPA preferred but not required
  
  
  
  


• Skills: Strong understanding of cost accounting principles
  
  
  
  • Experience with ERP systems (JDE preferred)
  
  
  • Advanced Excel proficiency
  
  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  
  
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  
  
  
  


• Travel: Willingness to travel 10-15% domestically

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office and plant environment.


• Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.


• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT GREAT DANE

With a history dating back to 1900, Great Dane has established itself as a transportation solutions leader of today - delivering innovative products and exceptional services that help our customers and employees succeed. We not only engineer durable and high-quality trailers and truck bodies; we foster relationships that last a lifetime.

WHY WORK FOR US?

Great Dane is a leading manufacturer of dry-freight vans, refrigerated trailers, and flatbeds with 10 manufacturing facilities and 20 service centers throughout the United States. With a legacy like ours comes a dedication to the hard-working individuals that make Great Dane what it is today. Our jobs are waiting to be filled by driven, challenge-focused & enthusiastic people like you.

Our culture is comprised of "Champions" and offers a rewarding workplace rooted in core values of safety, leadership, integrity, quality, and passion. Every employee has opportunities to learn, to grow, to succeed and to be engaged in a collaborative environment.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

• Competitive compensation


• Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions


• Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match


• Tuition Reimbursement


• Paid holidays and vacation


• And more!

SALARY RANGE

The expected salary range for this role is $66,057 - $128,935 per year.

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your exact pay, we may also consider your skills, experience, and other job-related factors.

Great Dane is an Equal Opportunity Employer