Find & Apply For Accountant Jobs in Sauget, Illinois

Position Summary The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for overseeing and analyzing all cost-related activities within the ethanol production facility. This role ensures accurate product costing, supports operational decision-making, and drives cost efficiency across production processes including fermentation, distillation, and co-product generation (e.g., DDGS, corn oil). The position works closely with plant operations, procurement, and leadership to monitor performance, control costs, and improve profitability. Key Responsibilities Cost Accounting & Analysis  Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for ethanol, co-products, and raw materials (e.g., corn, enzymes, natural gas).  Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) and provide actionable insights to plant management.  Track production yields, input usage, and cost per gallon metrics.  Monitor inventory valuation, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods. Financial Reporting  Prepare monthly cost reports, margin analysis, and management summaries.  Support month-end and year-end close processes related to inventory and cost accounting.  Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies. Operational Support  Partner with plant managers and engineers to understand production processes and identify cost drivers.  Evaluate plant efficiency, downtime impacts, and yield improvements.  Support capital expenditure analysis and ROI calculations for plant upgrades or process improvements. Inventory Management  Oversee cycle counts and physical inventory processes.  Reconcile inventory discrepancies and ensure accurate recordkeeping.  Implement and maintain internal controls over inventory and cost systems. Budgeting & Forecasting  Lead cost-related inputs for annual budgets and rolling forecasts.  Analyze trends in commodity pricing (corn, energy) and their impact on production costs.  Provide scenario analysis for market fluctuations and operational changes. Compliance & Controls  Maintain strong internal controls over cost accounting processes.  Assist with internal and external audits.  Ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental reporting requirements as applicable. Qualifications Education & Experience  Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).  5-8+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or biofuels/ethanol industry.  Experience in process manufacturing environments is highly desirable. Skills & Competencies  Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and inventory management.  Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).  Ability to analyze large data sets and translate findings into business insights.  Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.  Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and accountability. Preferred Experience  Background in ethanol, renewable fuels, agriculture processing, or chemical manufacturing.  Familiarity with commodity markets and hedging concepts.  Experience with plant KPIs such as yield, throughput, and energy efficiency. Working Conditions  Primarily office-based within an industrial plant environment.  Occasional exposure to plant floor conditions (noise, heat, dust).  May require periodic travel to other facilities or corporate offices. Compensation & Benefits  Competitive salary based on experience  Bonus eligibility tied to plant and company performance  Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement) Equal Opportunity Employer Statement [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person