Senior Cost Accountant

The Bolton Group; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Cary, Illinois, seeks a Senior Cost Accountant to manage manufacturing cost analysis, inventory valuation, and standard costing. Responsibilities include executing month-end close activities and performing variance analysis. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of accounting experience with 2 years in cost accounting, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and a strong attention to detail. This role supports cross-functional decision-making and cost accounting process improvements.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in cost accounting.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Manufacturing experience required.

Responsibilities

• Execute month-end close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Perform detailed variance analysis for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Maintain and update standard costs and BOM-related changes.
• Partner with operations and supply chain for accurate costing.
• Support physical inventory counts and audit requests.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

ERP software

Job description

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for managing manufacturing cost analysis, inventory valuation, and standard costing across multiple sites. This role supports month-end close, financial reporting, and cross-functional decision-making while helping improve cost accounting processes and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute month-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and inventory reporting
• Perform detailed variance analysis (materials, labor, and overhead) and support management reporting
• Maintain and update standard costs, including cost rolls and BOM-related changes
• Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain to ensure accurate costing and inventory accuracy
• Support physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and audit requests
• Assist with acquisition integrations and ERP-related costing activities
• Identify and drive process improvements in cost accounting and inventory management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field
• 4+ years of accounting experience, including 2+ years in cost accounting
• Manufacturing experience required
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Experience working with cross-functional operational teams