Finance Estimator

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. 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.

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.

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. Manage project to develop annual standards.

Other special projects assigned by management.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
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 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.

Demonstrates operational Finance knowledge and financial analysis skills with hands on knowledge of financial operations.

Eligible for 10% annual bonus

Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and disability insurance