Accounting Associate III

Job Summary
Our client, a leading food manufacturing company, is seeking an Accounting Associate III to join their facility in Hampshire, IL (greater Chicago area). This temp-to-hire role will support cost accounting, month-end close, and financial analysis in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed accounting reconciliations on a monthly basis
- Assist with month-end journal entries, including inventory, pending invoices, and intercompany transactions
- Partner with Operations to communicate complex financial themes clearly and succinctly
- Maintain accurate standard costing to reflect true product profitability
- Perform financial analysis focused on cost and profitability trends
- Support accounts payable processes and accrual accounting activities

Required Qualifications
- 3 to 7 years of experience in Cost Accounting or related accounting functions
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of cost accounting, accounting reconciliations, month-end journal entries, accrual accounting, and SOX compliance
- Experience with standard costing and accounts payable
- Strong financial analysis skills related to costs and profitability trends

Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with inventory accounting and intercompany transaction accounting
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

About the Role
- Contract Type: Temp-to-hire
- Contract Duration: Ongoing, with potential for permanent placement
- Total Hours: Approximately 1,080 hours
- Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Central Time, with a one-hour unpaid lunch break
- Location: On-site at our client's facility in Hampshire, IL 60140 (Buckhead Chicago area)
- Travel: None required (0%)
- Dress Code: Business casual
- Interviews: Conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams

Compensation is competitive. Our client is an equal opportunity employer.