Cost Accountant Jobs in Illinois

INTRODUCTION

We have a current opening for a Cost Accountant and are actively reviewing applications.

At Ferrero, The Cost Accountant, reporting to the Plant Controller, supports the financial performance and cost control of the plant by preparing and monitoring the budget, forecasts and actuals, ensuring accurate industrial cost accounting and variance analysis, and providing regular financial insights to support operational and strategic decision making. The role also supports investment and fixed asset control in line with Group policies and ensures full compliance with Finance guidelines and procedures, acting as a key financial business partner to the Plant Controller and Operations team.

The Finance Industrial Controlling function ensures the accuracy, transparency, and strategic use of financial data related to manufacturing operations, enabling data-driven decisions across local and global teams. It supports the preparation of budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, and investment evaluations to strengthen production efficiency and financial compliance.

The Cost Accountant role serves as a key Finance partner within the Franklin Park Plant, translating operational performance into actionable financial insights. Reporting to the Plant Controller, the Cost Accountant supports cost control, budgeting, capital project analysis, and monthly closings while embedding financial rigor into daily plant operations.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Plant Controller in the preparation of the annual budget and standard cost setting (bill of materials, labor, overhead).
• Monitor and analyze industrial costs, standard costs, and production variances, providing regular performance reporting and insights.
• Perform month end close activities including preparation of journal entries and required reports detailing results including analysis and explanations.
• Support the monthly forecast and Group planning cycles including risks and opportunities.
• Prepare financial analyses for capital projects, including business cases, ROI, and support to Group approval processes.
• Support capital projects and fixed-asset management, including asset capitalizations and disposals along with the periodic fixed assets physical inventory.
• Perform cost simulations and project economics to support new products or changes in production flows.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in industrial controlling, cost accounting, budgeting, month end close and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, standard costing, and SAP, including fixed-asset management.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations and support finance leadership (Plant Controller).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of improving cost transparency and process efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of Excel and working with a large volume of data.

COMPENSATION

• The base salary range for this position is $71,219 - 94,959. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

ABOUT FERRERO:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I AT FERRERO:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

OUR APPLICATION PROCESS

We’re constantly looking for talented individuals who are ready to be part of our dynamic and growing organization. Ferrero is a company with a global presence and family values. Join us!

1. Apply

Complete your online application, upload your CV and include brief cover letter to help us understand your experience and interests.

1. Assess

Our HR team will arrange a phone or video interview if we feel your qualifications are a good match for the job.

1. Interview

If the first interview goes well, you’ll be invited to speak with a Ferrero manager to assess your competencies, technical aptitude and fit within our dynamic organization.