Senior Manager, Cost Accounting

Overview

This role will own cost accounting for a specialized pharmaceutical organization preparing to bring a smoking cessation treatment to market. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Senior Manager, Cost Accounting translates complex cost and inventory data into actionable business insights and partners across Finance, Operations, CMC, Supply Chain, and FP&A to support decisions related to production, pricing, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting and inventory management

  • Own standard costing methodologies, annual standard cost updates, rate development, inventory valuation, and variance analysis across raw materials, work in process, and finished goods
  • Analyze manufacturing costs, inventory movements, reserves, and cost of goods sold to identify trends, explain variances, and support corrective actions

• Own financial close and reporting

  • Manage month-end and quarter-end cost accounting activities, including journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and balance sheet reviews
  • Provide accurate, timely cost and margin reporting to Finance and Operations leadership

• Strengthen financial controls and compliance

  • Establish and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for inventory and cost accounting
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable SOX requirements and support internal and external audits

• Drive business insights and cross-functional partnership

  • Partner with Operations, CMC, Supply Chain, and FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning related to cost of goods sold
  • Develop product costing and margin analyses, evaluate cost drivers, and provide financial insights for pricing, capital investment, new product, and make-versus-buy decisions

• Own cost accounting systems and process improvement

  • Maintain cost accounting ERP configuration and partner with IT and ERP stakeholders on system enhancements, upgrades, and process governance
  • Improve costing methodologies, reporting automation, and close efficiency while promoting data integrity and consistent processes

• Develop operational cost metrics

  • Build and maintain KPI reporting and dashboards covering manufacturing efficiency, scrap, yield, overhead absorption, and other key cost drivers
  • Translate findings into practical recommendations to improve financial visibility and business performance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• At least 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3 or more years focused on cost accounting in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, standard costing methodologies, inventory accounting, manufacturing variances, and inventory valuation
• Hands-on experience managing cost accounting close activities, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit support
• Experience with ERP systems and cost accounting configuration; experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is particularly valuable (experience with systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite is also relevant)
• Advanced Excel skills, including complex financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and partner with teams outside of Finance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or multi-site operations
• CPA or MBA

Compensation & Benefits

• Anticipated base salary range: $150,000-$175,000 USD annually
• This range represents a good-faith estimate of what the employer reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity
• Eligible for an annual target bonus and equity compensation as determined by the employer’s compensation committee
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Paid time off and paid company holidays

Location & Travel

• Remote, field-based position
• Candidates may reside anywhere in the United States
• Travel required up to 10% for conferences and company meetings

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.