Cost Accountant

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.