Director, Cost Accounting – Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing

About this role

Your mission The   Director of Cost accounting   is responsible for   establishing   and leading the cost accounting framework for a complex, multi-stage   cell   and gene therapy product .   This position will design and implement cost tracking processes across external manufacturing partners (CDMOs) and internal Technical Operations, ensuring   accurate   cost capture, variance analysis, and ERP system integration.  

The   ideal candidate   w ould have   good   understanding of biologics manufacturing, cost accounting principles, and ERP system configuration (e.g., AX 2012 or equivalent). The position will report to the Controller .  

Essential Functions:  

1. Cost Accounting System Setup & Process Design  

• Design and implement the end-to-end cost accounting structure for   cell therapy product manufacturing ,   from raw material   purchasing   through intermediate and final product manufacturing.  

• Establish processes for   accurate   cost collection, allocation, and capitalization across   Intermediate and Finished Goods   production .  

• Collaborate with   the   Technical Operations   team to   define cost flow mapping, WIP tracking, and batch-level cost attribution.  

• Partner with   IT /ERP team to configure product costing, BOMs, routing, and absorption logic within the ERP system.  

• Develop documentation for cost accounting workflows, controls, and system configurations.  

2. Standard Cost Development & Maintenance  

• Maintain   standard cost models reflecting the full manufacturing lifecycle, including materials, labor, testing, CDMO suite/batch fees, and overhead absorption.  

• Review and refine standard costs periodically to reflect operational   changes , yield assumptions, and pricing updates from vendors.  

• Maintain visibility of upstream and downstream manufacturing cost drivers.  

• Support the Controller   and CFO   in   determining   inventory valuation, capitalization of WIP, and COGS recognition policies.  

• Lead balance sheet reconciliation and inventory transaction process  

3. Actual Cost Reconciliation & Variance Analysis  

• Develop processes to reconcile standard vs. actual production costs for each   various stages of the manufacturing process.  

• Identify   key variances related to yield, scrap, or CDMO performance; communicate insights to operations and finance leadership.  

• Analyze and   report   the   financial impact   of batch failures, production delays, or material write-offs.  

• Collaborate with accounting during monthly close to ensure   accurate   accruals for manufacturing-related costs.  

4. Financial Reporting & Controls  

• Support monthly close, inventory valuation, and manufacturing P&L analysis.  

• Partner with FP&A and Technical Operations to improve cost forecasting .    

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, capitalization policies, and accounting standards (IFRS).  

• Provide leadership in audit preparation for cost accounting and inventory valuation processes.  

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration  

• Work closely with Technical Operations   and   Supply Chain to ensure cost accuracy and transparency.  

• Lead   the training and development of cost accounting practices across the finance and operations teams.  

Competencies:  

• Understanding of   accounting processes,   procedure   and internal controls.  

• Extensive skills in Microsoft   Excel;  

• Effective Communication Skills (Written & Verbal)  

• Ability to succeed in a team environment.  

• Strong research and analysis skills.  

• Ability to adapt quickly and learn new tasks independently.  

• Ability to manage competing priorities.  

Required Education and Experience :  

• Bachelor’s degree, in Business, Finance or   Accounting;  

• CPA   is preferred  

• 7 – 10   years of progressive cost accounting experience in pharmaceuticals, biologics, or complex manufacturing  

• Strong technical understanding of ERP systems (preferably   MS Dynamics , SAP, or Oracle) and cost flow setup.  

• Proven experience building or managing cost accounting for long-cycle, multi-step manufacturing processes.  

• In-depth knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing overhead allocation.  

• Ability to interpret complex production data, yields, and batch-level costs.  

• Excellent analytical, communication, and project management skills.  

Work Environment / physical demands / position type and expected hours of work:  

• This position   based   in Secaucus, NJ, and offers a hybrid work arrangement with two remote days each week.  

• This job   operates   in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment   this   is a   largely sedentary   role; however, it requires the ability to lift marketing materials, open product cabinets and bend or stand on a   stool   as necessary.  

• The normal working hours of the office are from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Reporting Structure:  

• Reports to Controller  

• Works in tandem with another cost accountant  

Travel:

  Compensation and Benefits: Salary Range: $150,000 – $200,000

This range represents the base annual full-time salary for all positions within the applicable job grade. The actual salary offer will depend on a range of factors including experience, education, location, and other relevant qualifications. This position is also eligible for a Pierre Fabre bonus, commission, or incentive program in addition to the base pay.

Employees will be eligible to participate in a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, voluntary benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, paid company holidays, and paid parental leave. Additional offerings include employee discounts on our products, professional development opp

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