Senior Cost Accountant

Prater Industries; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Prater Industries is seeking an experienced accounting professional to own day-to-day accounting operations, supervise the team, lead month-end close, and support manufacturing cost accounting. You’ll partner with operations leadership to drive process improvements, cost reductions, and cross-functional initiatives, reporting to the Director of Finance.

Ideal candidates have a strong foundation in manufacturing cost accounting, with the ability to use financial and operational data to improve

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in accounting with a manufacturing and cost accounting foundation.
• Experience with budgeting, variance analysis, and cost controls in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills, including financial modeling.

Responsibilities

• Own month-end close process, reconciliations, and general ledger analysis.
• Lead cost accounting—standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Manage a team of three direct reports.
• Support annual budget process with monthly variance analysis.
• Collaborate with Operations and leadership to address cost and margin constraints and drive corrective actions.

Skills

Manufacturing cost accounting

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

AI in accounting

SQL/Relational databases

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA/CMA/MBA a plus

Tools

ERP systems

Accounting software integration

Job description

Prater Industries is seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our team. This person will own the day‑to‑day accounting operations, supervision of the accounting team, the monthly close and reconciliation process, and support our manufacturing business. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in manufacturing and cost accounting who is ready to take on greater ownership of the function and work closely with operations leadership to support strategic business initiatives. You'll report to the Director of Finance and have direct exposure to leadership, playing a key role in driving process improvements, cost reductions, and cross‑functional initiatives.

What You’ll Do

• Own month‑end close process, account reconciliations, and general ledger analysis
• Manage cost accounting processes including standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis
• Lead a team of three direct reports
• Provide support for the annual budget process, including monthly variance analysis
• Partner with Operations and leadership to identify financial and operational constraints affecting cost and margin, and work with key personnel to determine root causes, develop corrective actions, and track results.
• Collaborate with and present findings to the leadership team, effectively communicating financial insights to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders
• Identify, champion, and implement improvements to accounting processes and internal controls, from concept through implementation, working cross‑functionally to drive adoption
• Support ERP system usage, reporting, and process optimization within the organization
• Leverage AI and automation tools to drive efficiencies throughout the organization
• Assist with technical accounting matters, audit support, and other tax and compliance matters as needed

What You Bring

• Minimum of three years in accounting with a demonstrated foundation in manufacturing and cost accounting. Manufacturing experience is strongly preferred, with demonstrated examples of using Financial & Operational data to identify constraints and work cross‑functionally to improve cost, margin, or business performance.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, complex formulas, financial modeling)
• Experience with accounting systems and data integration across applications
• Familiarity with AI tools as applied to accounting/finance workflows a plus
• Understanding of relational databases/SQL a plus
• Demonstrated ability to champion projects and influence outcomes across departments
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, continuous improvement, waste reduction) a plus
• A growth mindset - this role is a pathway toward a Controller role
• Strong communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, CPA/CMA/MBA a plus

Compensation Range: $80,000 to $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Why Join Prater Industries

At Prater Industries, you'll join a team that values collaboration, ownership, and genuine investment in each other's growth. We're a stable, 100‑year‑old manufacturer with a track record of steady growth — giving you the security of a well‑run organization alongside the energy and opportunity of a company still building for what's next. Our finance and accounting team works closely together and with operations leadership, so your contributions are visible and your ideas carry weight. If you're looking for a workplace where good work gets noticed, careers grow organically, and colleagues genuinely support one another, Prater is a place to build something lasting.

In addition to competitive compensation, Prater offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, life and disability insurance, and opportunities for ongoing learning and career advancement. Join a team where your contributions are valued, your development is supported, and your work directly impacts the company's success.