Cost Accountant - External Manufacturing

Job Description Cost Accountant - External Manufacturing (Financial Analyst II) North Chicago, IL Hybrid - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday onsite / Monday & Friday remote 12-month contract (potential for extension based on performance and business needs)

Pay Rate:

up to $38/HR (dependent upon benefit selection) Orion Group is seeking a Cost Accountant for our pharmaceutical client to support External & Contract Manufacturing (ECM) operations. This role plays a critical part in financial planning, standard cost setting, inventory analysis, and variance reporting for finished goods and devices. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical expertise, financial modeling capabilities, and the ability to partner cross-functionally to support strategic decision-making in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Support standard cost setting for external manufacturing finished goods and devices Partner with Supply Chain, Brand, and Finance teams to forecast P&L impacts for Plan, Latest Best Estimates (LBE), and Long-Range Plan (LRP) Provide FP&A support across the ECM Established Brands portfolio Prepare and develop financial plans, including P&L, balance sheet, and expense projections Perform variance analysis and develop management reporting to support planning cycles Support monthly close activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting Analyze financial results vs. benchmarks and communicate insights and recommendations to leadership Conduct ad hoc financial analysis to support business decisions Execute monthly inventory reconciliations, partnering with third-party manufacturers and internal teams to resolve discrepancies Ensure compliance with financial policies, SOX controls, and US GAAP Support inventory verification activities at external manufacturing sites Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment on financial and operational goals Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree required (Finance or Accounting preferred) 4+ years of experience in Finance and/or Accounting Strong Excel skills (financial modeling, data analysis, reporting) Experience working with SAP (BPC preferred) Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Experience with standard costing and inventory accounting Background supporting manufacturing or supply chain finance Familiarity with external/contract manufacturing environments Why Join This is a high-impact role offering exposure to global manufacturing operations, cross-functional leadership, and strategic financial planning within a leading pharmaceutical environment. You'll play a key role in driving financial insights that support critical business decisions. People are our business worldwide Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services - Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management - across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.