SENIOR COST ACCOUNTANT

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Bonuses or incentives

Job summary

Smalley is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant in the Lake Zurich, IL area to oversee manufacturing and inventory costs, lead the monthly close, and provide actionable cost insights. You will evaluate material, WIP, and finished goods costs, and partner with operations, purchasing, estimating, and engineering to drive cost improvements.

The role requires 5–10 years of cost accounting/finance experience in manufacturing, strong ERP and Excel skills, and a CMA/CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CMA or CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 5–10 years of hands-on cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel.

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.

Skills

ERP systems

Excel proficiency

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Financial analysis

Manufacturing experience

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CMA or CPA designation

Tools

Infor Syteline

Job description

About usSmalley 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 OfferCompetitive 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 growthOngoing learning and training and development opportunitiesCompany and department led team-building activities and eventsWe 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 reportingAnalyze part costs and profitabilityCollaborate cross-functionally with operations, purchasing, estimating, and engineering teams.Understand costing systems (BOMs, routings, labor, overhead) and manage annual updates in ratesConduct detailed cost analysis across materials, labor, overhead and inventory to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.Assist with external auditors for annual reviewDrive improvements in ERP systems and cost accounting processesDevelop and enhance reporting tools, financial analysis, and KPIsOther projects, analysis, and financial support of strategic initiatives as requiredQualifications & Skills:Proficiency in modern ERP systems (Infor Syteline preferred) and advanced Excel skillsManufacturing industry experience, job costing a plusStrong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and financial analysisStrong communication and analytical skillsEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field requiredCMA or CPA designation strongly preferred.5-10 years of hands-on cost accounting or manufacturing finance experienceAbility to translate complex cost data into business insightsSelf-directed and proactive problem solverApply today and discover the opportunities that await you!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).