Senior Accountant

Modern Process Equipment (MPE) · Chicago, IL

Who We Are

Modern Process Equipment (MPE) has spent over 65 years building the machines behind the world's most recognized food and beverage brands, including Starbucks, Nestlé, Purina, and Hershey's.

We're a family-owned engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Chicago, and we punch well above our weight: small-company culture, global client roster, and a genuine appetite for innovation at every level.

???? Hear from the team: youtube.com/shorts/U4qf-PvZysU

SummaryDo you have a background in accounting with hands-on experience in accounts payable, bank reconciliation, month-end close, and cost accounting? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Senior Accountant, overseeing core financial operations and coordinating the workflow of a small team.Job DescriptionAs the Senior Accountant, you will report directly to the Accounting Manager and serve as the primary point of oversight for accounts payable operations, month-end close, cost accounting, and bank reconciliation. You will also oversee accounts receivable and handle AR escalations while coordinating the daily workflow of a small team. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your work directly impacts the business.Responsibilities1. Accounts Payable & Banking

• Oversee AP operations; ensure vendor payments are current and on schedule. Handle AP escalations and vendor disputes.
• Manage the AP automation platform (Medius), AP email, and weekly payment schedule.
• Perform bank reconciliation and cash book adjustments.
• Manage Letters of Credit end to end: bank coordination, document compliance, expiry tracking.

2. Month-End Close & Cost Accounting

• Perform month-end close activities: journal entries, G/L reconciliation, deposit schedule maintenance.
• Cost accounting: standard cost maintenance, variance analysis, inventory valuation, margin reporting, BOM costing.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports to external payroll provider; verify hours and ensure timely submission.
• Manage Certificates of Insurance (COIs).

3. AR Oversight & Escalations

• Oversee accounts receivable operations; ensure all invoicing is accurate and on time.
• Handle AR escalations, complex customer disputes, and difficult collections.
• Review AR aging reports and flag overdue accounts for action.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and customer deposit management.

4. Team & Reporting

• Direct daily workflow priorities of the accounting team, including logistics operations.
• Follow up on weekly and monthly reporting requirements.
• Manage vendor and customer documentation.
• Review and oversee expense report and commission entry.
• Collaborate directly with the Accounting Manager on department priorities.

Skills and Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field - or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience (AP, general ledger, month-end close).
• High attention to detail with ability to prioritize across multiple tasks.
• Hands-on experience with bank reconciliation and journal entries.
• Cost accounting experience - standard costs, variance analysis, inventory valuation.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (data entry, reporting, and record management).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Comfortable leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency.

Preferred

• Letters of Credit & multi-currency wire transfer experience is a plus.
• Manufacturing environment experience is preferred.
• Experience with AP automation platforms (Medius or similar) is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development