SENIOR COST ACCOUNTANT

Smalley; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k match

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

PTO

Job summary

Smalley, a leader in precision metal formed products, seeks a Senior Cost Accountant to oversee manufacturing and inventory costs, support month-end close, and provide actionable cost insights in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Candidates should have 5-10 years in cost accounting or manufacturing finance, and CMA/CPA are highly preferred. The role offers a competitive salary and bonus eligibility, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing cost control.
• Strong cost accounting knowledge, inventory management and financial analysis.
• Excellent communication and analytical abilities required.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly cost accounting close and inventory reconciliations.
• Analyze actual vs standard costs for materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Support month-end close and internal financial reporting.
• Analyze part costs and profitability.
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, estimating and engineering.
• Understand costing systems (BOMs, routings, labor, overhead) and update rates annually.
• Conduct detailed cost analyses to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with external auditors during annual reviews.
• Drive ERP and cost accounting process improvements.
• Develop and improve reporting tools, financial analysis and KPIs.
• Support strategic initiatives with financial insights.

Skills

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Manufacturing experience

Cost accounting

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CMA or CPA

Tools

Infor Syteline

Job description

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About Us

Smalley is the global manufacturing leader of precision metal formed products – known for our Spirolox® retaining rings and Crest-to- Crest® wave springs. Our success is propelled by our inventive spirit, devoted team members, extensive engineering proficiency, and technical ability, cultivated by over 100 years of manufacturing excellence. We supply to industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics and industrial machinery – supporting over 70% of the Fortune 500 global manufacturers. We are proud of our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products, relentless pursuit of improvement, and unwavering dedication to providing excellent service to our valued customers.

Smalley is the global manufacturing leader of precision metal formed products – known for our Spirolox® retaining rings and Crest-to- Crest® wave springs. Our success is propelled by our inventive spirit, devoted team members, extensive engineering proficiency, and technical ability, cultivated by over 100 years of manufacturing excellence. We supply to industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, robotics and industrial machinery – supporting over 70% of the Fortune 500 global manufacturers. We are proud of our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products, relentless pursuit of improvement, and unwavering dedication to providing excellent service to our valued customers.

Why Smalley?

At Smalley, we take pride in cultivating an inclusive work environment that values creativity, collaboration and diversity. We believe in our associates' unique perspectives that they bring to every challenge, which is why we will empower you to push the boundaries of what is possible. We are committed to nurturing an enjoyable work atmosphere demonstrated through activities such as Spirit Days, Cancer Awareness events, Health and Wellness activities, and fun sports opportunities to play in basketball, bags, and ping pong tournaments!

We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package as well as: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, PTO, and more!
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
• Ongoing learning and training and development opportunities
• Company and department led team-building activities and events

We are seeking a Senior Cost Accountant who will oversee manufacturing and inventory costs, assist with the month end accounting close, and analyze financial variances. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to analyze costs and deliver actionable insights within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly cost accounting close, inventory reconciliations, and product cost analysis.
• Track and evaluate actual average costs, including raw material, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods valuations.
• Support the month-end closing process and internal financial reporting
• Analyze part costs and profitability
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, purchasing, estimating, and engineering teams.
• Understand costing systems (BOMs, routings, labor, overhead) and manage annual updates in rates
• Conduct detailed cost analysis across materials, labor, overhead and inventory to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with external auditors for annual review
• Drive improvements in ERP systems and cost accounting processes
• Develop and enhance reporting tools, financial analysis, and KPIs
• Other projects, analysis, and financial support of strategic initiatives as required

Qualifications

Qualifications & Skills

• Proficiency in modern ERP systems (Infor Syteline preferred) and advanced Excel skills
• Manufacturing industry experience, job costing a plus
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and financial analysis
• Strong communication and analytical skills

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field required
• CMA or CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 5-10 years of hands-on cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience
• Ability to translate complex cost data into business insights
• Self-directed and proactive problem solver

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $95,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. This role is bonus/and or incentive eligible.

EEO/Affirmative Action

Smalley is an equal opportunity employer and believes in equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. Accordingly, all employment decisions are based on the principles of equal opportunity. These decisions include recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, compensation, benefits, training, and other personnel actions involving persons in all job titles and shall occur without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected class as recognized by applicable law.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, paid holidays, paid time off and 401(k).