Cost Accountant

Overview Universal Air Filter is on a mission to make the world safer, healthier and more productive. As a custom air filter manufacturer and engineering partner since 1959, UAF exists to make OEMs, telecom customers, and design engineers’ projects run smoother and faster. While you have numerous options for air filter suppliers, few offer truly custom solutions designed around your exact specifications, and fewer still back that up with fast prototyping and full certification support. We are seeking a Cost Accountant for our Sauget, IL location. The Cost Accountant will partner with the VP of Finance to establish standard costs, perform root‑cause variance analysis on materials and labor, oversee inventory valuation evaluate, track, and manage the financial impact of production operations. The Cost Accountant will provide hands‑on execution, administration, and oversight of the manufacturing operations accounting function and will work to improve our strong financial controls and compliance. This role must use a hands‑on approach and be responsible for performing tasks communicated by senior management such as ensuring the completion of analyses, budgets, forecasts, reports, and data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess deep ERP experience and will have the ability to understand and administer transactions in the system as well as understand the relevant proper accounting. Responsibilities Responsible for all activities related to Cost Accounting management and Inventory processes for a growing manufacturing business. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of standard costing concepts in a manufacturing environment, including analysis, research, and reporting of production variances. Perform annually labor and overhead studies to ensure appropriate standard costing rates. Lead periodic inventory counts (including year‑end inventory) and work with operations personnel to implement cycle‑counting processes to ensure reliability of ERP inventory reporting. Understand and execute ERP processes required for maintaining accuracy of inventory quantities and valuations. Assess current inventory and costing processes and develop improvement opportunities for closing control gaps and improving accuracy. Responsible for month‑end processes and balance sheet reconciliations for inventory related accounts and reserves to drive reliable and compliant financial reporting. Establish, maintain, and ensure adherence to company and accounting‑related policies and procedures. Assist in the preparation of reports and documentation for external auditors as needed. Responsible for the financial management of inventory to include proper valuation, accurate reserves for obsolescence, and auditing of the cycle count process. Track and report labor and material variances to standard. Identify trends and make recommendations to management when appropriate. Explain all prime cost variances on a monthly basis. Manage project to develop annual standards. Develop and present cost savings ideas. Implement those approved by management. Other special projects assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Qualifications 3+ years of relevant finance experience in manufacturing 2+ years Cost Accounting experience highly preferred Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or equivalent discipline Experience with ERP administration and module implementation Strong BI experience for standard reporting Advanced Problem Solving and Analytical Skills Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office, particularly with Excel and Power BI Strong understanding of financial principles, budgeting process, and business case evaluation Able to execute change strategies and bring change projects to successful completion. Strong collaboration skills with ability to work with cross functional teams Demonstrates operational Finance knowledge and financial analysis skills with hands on knowledge of financial operations. Base Salary: $75-85K annually, exempt Eligible for 10% annual bonus Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays 401(k) with company match Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance Paid parental leave #J-18808-Ljbffr