Strategic Cost Accounting Lead – Manufacturing

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Career advancement

Job summary

Prater Industries, Inc. in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking an experienced accounting professional to own month‑end close, cost accounting, and supervise a three‑person team while partnering with operations to drive cost reductions and improve margins.

You will report to the Director of Finance, support the annual budget, and provide financial insights to leadership. The role also involves optimizing ERP usage and strengthening internal controls using AI/automation, with a clear path toward a

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in accounting with manufacturing and cost accounting focus.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, financial modeling).
• Experience with accounting systems and data integration across applications.
• Familiarity with AI tools in accounting workflows is a plus.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles (5S, continuous improvement) is a plus.
• Growth mindset toward a Controller role and cross-functional influence.

Responsibilities

• Own month-end close process, 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 and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with leadership to present findings and translate financial insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes and internal controls cross-functionally.
• Support ERP usage, reporting, and process optimization; leverage AI/automation tools.
• Assist with technical accounting matters, audit support, and tax/compliance matters as needed.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Influence across departments

Ability to drive process improvements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA/CMA/MBA (plus)

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

SQL

AI tools in accounting workflows

Job description

Prater Industries, Inc. in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking an experienced accounting professional to own month‑end close, cost accounting, and supervise a three‑person team while partnering with operations to drive cost reductions and improve margins.

You will report to the Director of Finance, support the annual budget, and provide financial insights to leadership. The role also involves optimizing ERP usage and strengthening internal controls using AI/automation, with a clear path toward a