Cost Accounting Manager

Are you interested in being part of a team that creates products that make a difference in the world at a company that embraces individuality and supports human growth?

About Us

IEG (Impact Environmental Group) is a growing family of companies that provides products and services to the global waste and recycling industry. This includes a variety of plastic & rubber molding, metal fabrication, plastic extrusion, and tarp systems. With locations positioned strategically around the US and Europe, each company in our portfolio plays a critical role in supporting the sustainability initiatives of our customers. Headquartered in Elgin, IL, Impact has grown into a premier manufacturer of Container and Compactor Parts helping our customers to ‘repair and not replace’ assets, reducing the environmental impact of new containers and compactors.

Position Summary:

The Cost Accounting Manager is a key financial leader responsible for driving visibility into manufacturing and operational costs, supporting strategic decision-making, and optimizing cost performance across the organization. This role is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of cost of goods sold (COGS), product costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation. The Cost Accounting Manager partners cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure cost control, efficiency improvements, and continuous process enhancement. This position is both hands-on and strategic, requiring a proactive approach to analysis, business partnership, and financial leadership in a dynamic production environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Own and ensure the accuracy of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and product standard costs across all inventory items.
• Lead analysis of cost variances, including purchase price variance (PPV), material usage, labor, and manufacturing production variances.
• Prepare and present insightful reporting on standard margin analysis, highlighting drivers of performance versus budget and forecast.
• Manage monthly scrap reporting and partner with Operations to identify root causes and develop cost-reduction initiatives.
• Conduct in-depth inventory analysis, including excess and obsolete (E&O) reserves; collaborate with Sales and Operations to drive timely disposition.
• Analyze and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, and work center data to ensure accurate labor and overhead allocation.
• Support and lead product cost reviews to ensure consistency and accuracy of standard costs and BOM configurations.
• Develop and maintain labor efficiency metrics and productivity analytics in partnership with the Manufacturing team.
• Collaborate with the Plant Managers to identify and implement process improvements that enhance cost efficiency.
• Drive cost modeling for annual standard cost roll-up and budgeting.
• Serve as the cost accounting lead for ERP system maintenance, including updates to cost-related master data, system enhancements, and report creation.
• Lead the annual physical inventory process and manage the cycle count program throughout the year to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Provide cost insights and recommendations to senior management for strategic planning, margin improvement, and investment decisions.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar); experience with cost module implementation or management is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other business intelligence tools is a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles, including inventory valuation, overhead absorption, and standard costing.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• FSA
• HSA
• 401K Match
• other supplementary insurances