Manager, Cost Accounting

Job Title:
Reports To:
Location:
Work Type:
FLSA Status: Cost Accounting Manager
VP, Controller
Vernon Hills, IL
Hybrid (3 days in office)
Exempt

Position Summary:

The Cost Accounting Manager will lead the development, implementation, and ongoing governance of standardized cost accounting practices across a diverse, global manufacturing network. This role is responsible for driving consistency in standard costing methodologies, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and reporting processes across multiple entities and production environments.

In addition, this role will design and implement standardized inventory reporting and analytics to improve transparency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance working capital management. The position partners closely with supply chain, FP&A, and site leaders to ensure cost accuracy, margin integrity, and disciplined inventory management.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical cost accounting expertise with a systems mindset and the ability to drive alignment across international manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Cost Accounting Standardization

• Develop and implement global standard costing policies and methodologies across all manufacturing sites
• Establish consistent standards for material, labor, and overhead cost structure and allocation
• Lead annual standard process globally
• Standardize variance analysis frameworks and reporting formats globally
• Harmonize cost accounting practices across ERP systems and manufacturing environments
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and applicable international accounting standards

Inventory Valuation & Working Capital Optimization

• Develop and implement standardized global inventory reporting packages
• Design and maintain dashboards focused on:
  • Inventory turns
  • Days in Inventory Outstanding (DII)
  • Excess, obsolete, and slow-moving reporting and analysis
  • Aging by SKU and site
• Partner with supply chain and operations to identify inventory reduction opportunities
• Improve visibility into raw materials, WIP, and finished goods balances
• Strengthen inventory reserve methodologies and governance

Variance Discipline & Operational Alignment

• Implement standardized monthly variance reporting (PPV, material usage, labor efficiency, overhead absorption)
• Ensure root-cause analysis and corrective action tracking across sites
• Partner with plant leadership to improve scrap, yield, and production efficiency
• Support pricing and margin analysis through accurate cost structures
• Provide actionable insights to support margin expansion initiatives

Inventory Controls & Financial Integrity

• Ensure accurate month-end inventory valuation and subledger-to-GL reconciliation
• Standardize cycle count and physical inventory processes across sites
• Strengthen internal controls around inventory transactions and adjustments
• Ensure consistent BOM and routing governance processes
• Support audit readiness and documentation standards globally

Systems & Reporting Infrastructure

• Partner with IT and finance teams to improve ERP cost modules and reporting tools
• Active member of team to develop and implement a data lake across all entities for better analysis and visibility
• Standardize cost data governance across systems
• Implement automated reporting solutions to reduce manual analysis
• Drive integration of acquired entities into standardized cost and inventory frameworks

Education:

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

Experience:

• 8+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment

Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and absorption costing
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing cost drivers
• Experience developing financial dashboards and reporting tools
• Advanced Excel and strong data analysis capabilities, Power BI experience preferred
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional global teams
• Strong communication skills across operational and executive audiences
• Process-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
• Approximately 25% travel required

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $118,000 - $145,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
• Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP): 10%
• Benefits coverage begins day 1, including the following:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) company match
  • Paid Time Off (15 days annually)
  • Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated days)
  • Tuition Assistance
• Additional benefits available with company package

This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities associated with it.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.