New

Cost Accountant

Vaco
$87,000.00 - $95,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, Illinois, Elk Grove
Jun 07, 2025
A privately held manufacturing company in Elk Grove, IL is seeking a Cost Accountant to join its finance team. This is a highly visible role that will collaborate closely with operations and leadership to provide meaningful insights that shape plant performance and improve cost visibility. The company offers strong opportunities for internal advancement and professional development. Once training period is completed, opportunity to work up to 2 days a week remotely.Ability to travel quarterly is strongly preferred. Summary The Cost Accountant is responsible for comparing standard costs to actuals, identifying and explaining variances, and recommending process adjustments. This position plays a key role in supporting plant operations while also contributing to broader financial functions including budgeting, reporting, and forecasting. Key Responsibilities Support month-end and year-end close by preparing journal entries and ensuring accurate cost data Maintain and update standard costs for materials and labor; assist in setting up costs for new items Analyze production cost variances and collaborate with operations to identify and address root causes Contribute to the development of annual budgets and periodic forecasts related to manufacturing costs Calculate and monitor overhead and burden rates, adjusting as needed to reflect operational changes Reconcile inventory and other relevant balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues impacting plant cost performance Utilize ERP systems to extract data, support financial reporting, and improve plant-level decision making Participate in external audit requests and ensure documentation is prepared and accurate Provide day-to-day support to operations on cost-related matters and ensure alignment with financial targets Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 3-5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment Strong understanding of standard costing andvariance analysis Experience utilizing SAP or Infor M3 preferred Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools Excellent communication and problem-solving skills Ability to work cross-functionally and influence decision-making Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.