Senior Cost Accountant - Manufacturing

Saint-Gobain Performance Polymer Solutions; Portage (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Saint-Gobain Performance Polymer Solutions in Portage, WI is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to lead the month-end close, prepare GL entries, and ensure balance sheet integrity while supporting standard cost development for the site.

You will work with site leadership to drive cost analyses, maintain ERP data quality, and leverage QAD and Power BI to track costing, variances, and capital projects under $50k.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance is required; Master’s preferred.
• CMA or CPA certification preferred.
• 5–10 years of general cost accounting and financial analysis experience.
• Experience in manufacturing finance is required.
• Strong proficiency with ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close in QAD; prepare reconciliations and reports.
• Support annual budget, quarterly reforecasts, and standard cost development.
• Provide detailed actual vs. budget analysis and cost reviews.
• Assist with capex analysis (projects < $50k) and DP DSS metrics.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and central teams on financial processes.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

General accounting

Manufacturing accounting

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree in Finance / Business

CMA or CPA certification

Tools

QAD ERP

Power BI

Excel

Job description

WHY DO WE NEED YOU? The Senior Cost Accountant will provide support and lead the month-end close process to ensure alignment of the Performance Polymer Solutions/Life Sciences deadlines, prepare general ledger entries/reconciliations (as needed/required), and ensure the accuracy and integrity of the balance sheet and income statement (quality of working capital, changes in fixed assets, etc.). Support the annual budgeting and reforecasting processes for standard cost development for the site to ensure transparency of costs and margins. Works with site leadership to ensure all plant accounting activities comply with the processes outlined in the ICRF, IFRS, GAAP, PPS/LS policies, and sound business practices.

The ideal candidate will be a driven self-starter, detail oriented, and have a high propensity for problem solving. This role requires a hands‑on individual that can work independently to drive tasks to completion and be able to pivot as needed based on priorities. The Senior Financial Analyst will maintain integrity of systems and databases - identify and resolve issues that impact usability and system performance.

Promotes a safe working environment, complies with proper use of PPE, reports incidents and participates in functional department safety meetings. Exhibits good environmental practices and procedures consistent with job(s) performed and EMS (Environmental Management System) requirements.

Accounting & Reporting

• Month-end close in QAD, DSS inputs, coordinate internal financial reports (monthly site report, operational analysis of efficiency, scrap, cost, variances)
• Support Annual Budget Process and quarterly reforecasts
• Serve as financial support for QAD+ team as well as other shared resources
• Provide detailed analysis of actual vs. budget spend
• Support new product costing and review of current costs throughout the year
• Support establishment of inputs for annual standard cost roll
• Coordinate physical inventory and cycle count program supporting site Supply Chain
• Assist central team with updates to LS DSS metrics annually and as needed
• Collaborate with Life Sciences North America Finance teams on DSS best practices and training as needed
• Collaborate with team on financial analysis on all capex projects below $50k and larger projects as needed
• Supports Supply Chain and Finance in AP/Medius reconciliation, coding, and troubleshooting.

Compliance

• Support the annual ICRF gap analysis & ensure the execution of action plans
• Assist Controller with annual security review of user rights in QAD
• Digital Champion
• Coordinates and supports site and various cross functional units complete software and other digital software upgrades.

QAD System Maintenance

• Support adding/changing key financial data in QAD
• Cost Centers
• GL Accounts
• Sub-Accounts
• Product Lines
• Financial Reports

Support Continuous Improvement/WCM Initiatives ensuring countermeasures, projects are defined with clear financial objectives & results are tracked and reported accordingly. Support site’s loss deployment process to identify improvement opportunities by utilizing Power BI tools and conducts meetings communicating date trends.

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree Accounting/Finance is required. Master's degree in Finance / Business is preferred.
• CMA or CPA certification preferred.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in general accounting, cost accounting and financial analysis is required.
• Experience working in an Accounting/Finance role in manufacturing is required.
• Strong proficiency with ERP systems.

a Little More About Us

Saint-Gobain’s innovations touch almost every major industry around the world. Within its Life Sciences division, teams are solving critical problems for customers who are getting life‑saving medical devices to the frontlines of healthcare, discovering essential medications, and nourishing and connecting the world through consumer, industrial and electronics applications. As one of the world’s leading producers of high‑performance polymer products, we improve lives by making simple experiences better and being there in life’s critical moments.

Our team members recognize that we all create the environment for people to succeed, with a culture built on respect, open and honest communication, and honoring our commitments to our customers and each other. And at the heart of our culture, we’ve learned working together makes good ideas, great ones.

With a legacy dating back more than 350 years, Saint‑Gobain offers employees the stability and security of a leading Global 500 corporation while operating like multiple small and agile start‑ups, where entrepreneurial spirit, pioneering teamwork, and bold, forward‑thinking ideas pave new paths.

Every team member is encouraged to develop and leverage their unique expertise and strengths to make the greatest impact on the company and our end users. At Saint‑Gobain, you’re empowered and equipped with countless opportunities and resources for professional development. You will find the support you need to create a vision and roadmap for your career, and make that vision a reality.

Join Us at Saint‑Gobain Life Sciences. Together, we’ll create a better life.

LEGAL STATEMENT

Saint‑Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint‑Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Benefits In Joining Us

Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:

Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work

• Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• LiveWell Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave

Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality

• 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
• Company‑provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short‑Term Disability
• Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long‑Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance

Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want

• Group Legal
• Identity Theft Protection
• Auto and Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance and Discounts
• Back‑up Child & Elder Care
• PerkSpot Employee Discount Program