Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Company: The Hiring Method, LLC
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Location: Chicago, IL Work Setting: Hybrid; target of ~3 days onsite with flexibility discussed Travel: Up to 25% (approximately one week per month) Compensation: $100,000 – $150,000 base salary Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and standard corporate benefits Position Summary The Cost Accountant is a senior, hands-on accounting role responsible for owning all manufacturing cost accounting activities across multiple facilities. This position serves as the primary cost accounting resource and partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance leadership to ensure accurate standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and financial reporting. Operating as an individual contributor with high visibility and autonomy, the Cost Accountant plays a critical role in driving cost transparency, operational efficiency, and profitability in a disciplined manufacturing environment. What You’ll Do Analyze and manage manufacturing costs related to materials, labor, and overhead Develop, implement, and maintain standard costing across products and processes Perform detailed variance analysis; identify root causes and provide actionable recommendations Prepare and present cost and financial reports highlighting trends and improvement opportunities Maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routing data Oversee inventory valuation, reconciliations, adjustments, and physical inventory processes Support annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range planning with cost-related inputs Maintain and update cost accounting systems and ERP data (Epicor) Partner with operations and engineering teams to identify process improvements and cost efficiencies Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and corporate accounting policies Support capital expenditure analysis, special projects, and continuous improvement initiatives Travel to manufacturing facilities as required to support operations What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 10 years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment Deep expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers Advanced Excel skills ERP experience required (Epicor strongly preferred) Ability to operate independently as a “team of one” cost accounting function Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally Willingness to work onsite and travel up to 25% ? What You Get Competitive base salary in the $100K–$125K range High-visibility role with direct reporting to the VP of Finance Ownership of cost accounting across multiple manufacturing operations Opportunity to influence operational decisions through financial insight Stable, long-term environment backed by a highly disciplined parent organization Lean structure ideal for experienced, hands-on cost accounting professionals Hybrid work model with clear expectations around onsite presence Comprehensive benefits package

Keywords: The Hiring Method, LLC, Arlington Heights , Manufacturing Cost Accountant, Accounting, Auditing , Chicago, Illinois