Joliet Electric Motors
Senior Cost Accountant
About Joliet Electric Motors:
Headquartered in Illinois, Joliet Electric Motors, LLC has been supplying North America with quality and value in large electric motors and repair services for 90 years. The company serves everyone from paper mills and steel mills to the chemical and OEM manufacturing industries. The company's products and services include oil field traction motors, large AC and DC electric motors, severe duty electric motors, 2-speed electric motors, balancing services, maintenance training, rebuilt electric motors to 10,000 HP, high-efficiency electric motors, high-torque electric motors, AC and DC electric motor repair and sales.
The company was acquired by Hitachi at the beginning of 2025, following an extended period of growth backed by Argosy Private Equity. Joliet has been a Hitachi sales distribution partner for the oil drilling industry since 2002, delivering some 1,100 large motors within North America. With the acquisition, Hitachi hopes to enhance its recurring business by expanding the sales of large industrial equipment in North America, strengthening its maintenance service business for existing products, and entering into the maintenance service business for products manufactured by other companies. The company also aims to provide electrified products to reduce CO2 emissions from energy sources.
About the Position:
The Senior Cost Accountant will be responsible for overseeing cost accounting, financial analysis, and accounting operations within the company. This role requires strong financial acumen, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze financial data to support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will play a key role in improving financial processes, ensuring accurate cost reporting, and contributing to overall business efficiency.
Position Responsibilities:
- Oversee accounting processes & standards, including monthly/quarterly/annual reporting, financial statements/balance sheets, income statements, variance analysis, inventory valuation, reconciliation, etc.
- Prepare and analyze job/project cost reports, product costing, and margin analysis to support pricing and production decisions.
- Ensure compliance with US GAAP and other financial regulations.
- Continual improvement of the budgeting/forecast process through education of department managers on financial issues impacting department finances.
- Provide timely and accurate variance analysis of budgets vs. actuals.
- Develop a reliable cash flow (13-week and 12-month) forecast process and reporting mechanism that includes minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess the company's financial performance and make recommendations for improvement.
- Monitor and report on key cost drivers, providing insights into cost-saving opportunities.
- Work closely with operations, procurement, and finance teams to develop cost-effective strategies.
- Leverage the current ERP system fully and participate in the planning, selection, and implementation stages of a new ERP system, ensuring best-in-class financial data and reporting going forward.
- Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff as needed.
- Support tax compliance, audit preparation, and reporting requirements.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of, and background in, project-based accounting, job costing, etc.
- Strong understanding of and adherence to GAAP accounting principles and standards. Knowledge of IFRS is a plus.
- Previous experience with NAVISION/MICROSFT 365 BUSINESS CENTRAL ERP systems is required, along with an understanding of what the other best-in-class ERP systems are presently.
- Experience in leading through an ERP exploration, selection, and implementation process.
- Experience in accounting in a global manufacturing setting is a plus.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Competencies:
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and quality.
- Proactive and results-driven approach.
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- High level of integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.
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