Sr. Cost Accountant

Brilliant® is an award-winning contract and consulting practice headquartered in Chicago and specializing in accounting, finance, technology and business solutions for the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S. labor markets.

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Type: Contract / Consulting

Our client is a rapidly growing, $1B+ organization that continues to expand through strategic acquisitions. As the company integrates new businesses and enhances its financial operations, they are seeking a Senior Cost Accountant / Cost Accounting Analyst to lead a comprehensive assessment of their current cost accounting environment while serving as a hands‑on contributor to day‑to‑day cost accounting operations.

This is a highly visible consulting engagement for someone who enjoys building processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and partnering with operational leadership to strengthen financial decision‑making.

• Conduct a thorough assessment of current cost accounting processes, controls, and methodologies.
• Evaluate costing models and recommend improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Manage day‑to‑day cost accounting activities while implementing process enhancements.
• Analyze manufacturing and operational costs, overhead allocation methodologies, and product profitability.
• Monitor cost variances and investigate significant fluctuations.
• Manage financial reporting related to laboratory testing, auditing, and supply chain costs.
• Analyze overhead rates and ensure appropriate cost allocations.
• Maintain accurate pricing and costing data across the organization’s food safety and quality services portfolio.
• Partner closely with Finance, Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain leadership to provide actionable financial insights.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, month‑end close, and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Develop reporting and KPI dashboards to improve visibility into cost drivers and operational performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive cost accounting or cost analysis experience.
• Experience in manufacturing, pharma, life sciences, food production, or other operationally complex environments preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience working with large ERP systems and large data sets.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both finance and operational leadership.
• Self‑starter capable of balancing strategic assessment with hands‑on execution.

• Inventory costing and variance analysis
• Standard costing and overhead allocation
• Supply chain finance
• Process improvement and financial transformation initiatives
• M&A integration experience is a plus

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a growing organization at a pivotal stage of expansion, where your expertise will directly influence the future of the company’s cost accounting function. If you enjoy solving complex business challenges while rolling up your sleeves to execute, we’d love to speak with you.