Cost Accountant

Cost Accountant Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Cost Accountant Lead to join our expanding team in Franklin Park, IL. This role is crucial for ensuring ongoing analysis of local production performance and efficiencies, as well as managing a direct report.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Plant Controller with the preparation of the budget.
• Conduct cost center and pool analysis.
• Input data into SAP and execute the full Budget cost run.
• Analyze data correctness.
• Prepare material standard costs for each new code received throughout the year.
• Perform cost calculations and transfer prices for new products.
• Analyze progress and variance of resources used in production, including materials, labor, and overtime.
• Prepare corresponding reports.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Administration, and Central to meet close timelines.
• Ensure monthly costs are posted, including necessary accruals.
• Execute month-end close procedures.
• Conduct assessments and troubleshoot with IT and Central functions as required.
• Create a database for Monthly Variances and analyze reports.
• Support action plans to reduce variances.
• Monitor and prepare regular reporting on capital project WIP.
• Prepare and maintain CAPEX WBS in SAP.
• Update asset register when fixed assets change.
• Prepare internal weekly reports and specific budget progress reports.
• Prepare the Month-end Reporting Package.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in cost accounting, accounting, reconciliation, and general ledger management.
• Experience with month-end procedures and cost analysis.
• SAP and Microsoft Excel proficiency, including lookup tables, if-then statements, and pivot tables.
• Background in journal entry and financial reporting.
• Experience with fixed asset management, inventory accounting, and finance.
• ERP systems experience.
• Ability to conduct forecasting, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Understanding of financial statements, balance sheets, and variance analysis.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in an accounting capacity.
• Experience in the food/beverage industry is preferred.
• Managerial or leadership experience is desirable.
• MBA is a plus.
• Budgeting experience and cost estimation skills.
• Quick thinker, autonomous, proactive.
• Strong understanding of production processes including phases, cycles, and production models.
• Economics background and experience in inventory control.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of experience specifically in cost accounting.

Work Environment

Join a dynamic work environment in Franklin Park, IL, with a focus on quality and consumer care. The workplace offers growth opportunities, especially in the context of expanding operations in North America. The role involves working with advanced software such as SAP and requires strong Excel skills. The dress code is business casual, and the position offers flexible working hours.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Franklin Park, Illinois.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Ferrero USA Benefits Overview Health & Wellness

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Prescription Plans

Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Mental Health Support via Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Teledoc Services for virtual healthcare

Well-being Resources to support physical and mental health

Financial Security

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with up to 3.5% match and immediate vesting

Basic & Supplemental Life Insurance

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Family & Lifestyle

Competitive Parental Leave

Adoption & Surrogacy Support

Infertility Coverage

Pet Insurance

Personal Travel Insurance

Work-Life Balance

Generous Vacation Days, Personal Days, and Company Holidays

Legal Insurance

Identity Theft Protection

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Franklin Park, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2025.