Senior Cost Accountant

Stepan Company’s Millsdale Plant (Elwood, IL; Joliet area) has a job opening for a Sr. Cost Accountant. This position reports to the Millsdale Sr. Finance Manager and is responsible for overseeing inventory integrity & controls at the site and ensuring the accuracy of our standard costs. Working closely with Operations, this position will lead inventory cycle counting and production variance reporting (material, OH, shrink, & scrap), as well as champion identified corrective actions and recommended process changes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills will be utilized daily. Responsibilities: OVERSEE INVENTORY INTEGRITY AND CONTROLS Perform monthly cycle counts, investigate variances, and post adjustments. Ensure effective controls & accuracy over inventory movements, inventory reporting, and production order close-out. Correct or follow-up on SAP inventory errors as reported by Operations, or as identified throughout other duties. Review & report on area production variances (material, shrink, & scrap); Determine root causes and potential corrective actions; Work to adjust standards as necessary. Prepare consigned inventory reconciliations. ENSURE PROPER PRODUCT COSTING Perform bill of material and overhead standard cost reviews to ensure product standard cost accuracy; Recommend updates, as necessary. Review monthly cost explosion for reasonableness and manage exceptions. Analyze plant absorption and identify necessary corrections; Work with Operations to implement changes. ACCOUNTING REPORTING Prepare closing journal entries including accruals, reclasses for cost accounting & other reporting purposes, corrections. Review and analyze monthly expenses to ensure alignment with expectations. Complete assigned General Ledger Account reconciliations. VALUE CREATION / PROCESS IMPROVEMENT Be an active leader in looking for ways to bring value through continual improvement to the organization as it pertains to inventory and expense reporting processes. Work as a site change agent to streamline and improve processes in cooperation with plant staff. Qualifications 3-6 years of Cost Accounting experience in a manufacturing environment SAP and cost management experience Highly focused on problem identification and solving; Takes a critical look at issues and challenges and engages in proactive problem solving; Utilizes facts and innovation to build reasoned arguments and leverages innovative thinking to promote decisions Ability to own complex processes and deliverables and work with minimal supervision High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel Ability to develop and implement continual improvements to systems and processes through self-motivation, identifying waste loops and correcting through standardization Demonstrated ownership of functional responsibilities and action-oriented towards those responsibilities Ability to adapt to changing needs and prioritize to meet deadlines Experience working with manufacturing personnel on various accounting topics Education Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; Advanced certification (CPA/CMA) preferred Pay Range: $77,000 - $100,000 The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position. At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes: Discretionary Bonus Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K with Match Profit Sharing Paid Time Off (PTO) Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD) Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Adoption Assistance Reactions – Recognition Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment. We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world. Why Work At Stepan? Stable & Growing Collaborative Environment Make a Difference & Be Recognized Committed to Safety & Sustainability Value Driven Culture #J-18808-Ljbffr