Cost Accountant

Job Title: Manufacturing Cost Accountant/Financial AnalystReporting to: Director of Finance -ManufacturingJob Location: Chicago, ILJob Summary: The Manufacturing Cost Accountant/Financial Analyst for Nonni's Bakery is responsible for managing and analyzing all aspects of manufacturing cost accounting and financial performance within the company's production operations. This includes ensuring accurate cost reporting, variance analysis, inventory controls, and providing actionable financial insights to plant leadership and senior management. The ideal candidate will have experience in a food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods environment, with a strong understanding of standard cost accounting, bill of materials validation, and the unique financial dynamics of a production-driven business.Key Responsibilities:Manufacturing Variance Analysis:Prepare monthly manufacturing variance analysis, including material, labor, overhead, yield and waste variances.Partner with plant operations to identify root causes of variances and recommend corrective actons.Monitor production performance and provide actionable insights to improve manufacturing efficiency and profitability.Cost Accounting:Participate in and coordinate the annual standard cost roll process and periodic cost updates.Analyze and validate bills of materials, recipes, routings, and labor standards to ensure costing accuracy.Support new product development through cost modeling and profitability analysis.Inventory Accounting & Controls:Support cycle count programs and physical inventory counts.Review inventory adjustments and ensure proper approval and documentation.Analyze inventory reserves, obsolescence risk, slow-moving inventory, and product destruction activities.Ensure compliance with inventory controls policies and segregation of duties requirements.Financial Reporting & Analysis:Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning development for manufacturingOperational Support:Partner with plant leadership to identify cost-saving opportunities, productivity improvements, and margin enhancement initiatives.Support capital expenditure projects through financial analysis and post-implementation reviews.Provide financial guidance for operational decision-making and continuous improvement projects.Audit & Compliance:Support internal and external audit requests.Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.Assist in the development and implementation of inventory controls.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required3-7 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environmentFood manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) experience strongly preferredExperience working within a standard cost accounting environment requiredExperience with ERP systems and manufacturing reporting tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle) requiredStrong knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting standards as they apply to manufacturing operationsProficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling; experience with BI/reporting tools a plusExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skillsPersonal Qualities:High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation, with a track record for delivering to planFlexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances; able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in a timely mannerClear thinker with outstanding numeric ability supported by a rounded commercial awarenessAble to see the big picture but possesses a pragmatic/flexible approach to deliveryCurious in nature and always looking to question, learn, and look for better ways to do thingsThrives and enjoys working in a company with a diverse and fast-paced environment, team orientedWork Environment: This position is based on-site at Nonni's Bakery manufacturing facility in the Corporate Office HQ in Chicago, IL, and may require occasional travel to manufacturing locations.