Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Join our Chicago Protective Apparel Team! A division of Mechanix Wear LLC.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing production costs, maintaining standard 

costing systems, and supporting manufacturing and operations teams with accurate financial data. 

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience with cost accounting 

principles in a manufacturing or production environment, and will be comfortable working within 

established, traditional processes and systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions of the job are listed below. Other responsibilities may also be assigned. 

Please note that the essential functions may vary depending on department size, organizational 

structure and/or geographic location. Reasonable accommodation may be made to allow 

differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

•    Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead

•    Prepare monthly cost variance analysis and report findings to management

•    Reconcile inventory accounts and perform periodic physical inventory counts

•    Analyze production costs and recommend process improvements to reduce costs

•    Prepare and post journal entries related to cost accounting activities

•   Support month-end and year-end close processes

•    Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and cost forecasts

•    Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead)

•    Maintain the integrity of the bill of materials (BOM) and routing data in the ERP system

•    Collaborate with operations, purchasing, and production teams to ensure accurate cost data

•    Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis

•    Identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies

•    Write clear, detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cost accounting processes and 

controls

•    Support management with financial, operational, and strategic analyses, including 

manufacturing optimization, cost-saving initiatives, purchasing challenges, and other special 

projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are the minimum qualifications that an individual needs in order to successfully 

perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Please note that the minimum 

qualifications may vary based upon the department size and/or geographic location.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment

• Apparel manufacturing experience a plus, not required

• Comfortable working with traditional, hands-on accounting methods and legacy systems/processes

(not solely reliant on the latest automation or software)

• Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles

• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Demonstrated ability to write detailed, clear SOPs and process documentation

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain financial data to non-financial stakeholders.