Cost Accounting Manager

Azenta Life Sciences•Burlington, MA

4d•$110,000 - $137,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer‑focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo through collaborative, data‑driven problem solving. Azenta Life Sciences is a global leader in the life sciences space, with headquarters in Burlington, MA, and operations worldwide. We are a market leader in automated biosample management solutions and genomic services, supporting the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and healthcare institutions. Our comprehensive portfolio spans sample management, storage, informatics software, laboratory services, and consumables, with millions of samples managed globally. How You’ll Add Value… We are hiring a Cost Accounting Manager to support across Products, owning inventory and cost accounting activities tied to manufacturing and warehouse operations. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role will serve as a key finance partner to operations and accounting, ensuring accurate inventory valuation, manufacturing cost reporting, and compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls. This role blends hands‑on cost accounting execution with process leadership and cross‑functional partnership, supporting monthly and quarterly close, standard cost processes, inventory controls, and operational decision‑making. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting knowledge, an operational mindset, and the ability to clearly explain cost drivers, variances, and risks to finance and operations leaders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing finance, preferably in a complex or global environment.
2+ years as a people manager
Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory concepts under U.S. GAAP, including standard costing and variance analysis.
Experience supporting physical inventory counts, E\&O reserves, and SOX‑compliant controls.
Advanced Excel skills (analysis, modeling, complex formulas) and experience working with ERP systems; Oracle experience strongly preferred.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate detailed cost data into clear insights.
A hands‑on, “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” approach with the ability to partner effectively across finance and operations.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
Oracle experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Own inventory and cost accounting activities for Products, ensuring accurate and timely reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Support monthly and quarterly close by preparing and reviewing cost‑related journal entries, inventory reserves, reconciliations, and flux analysis.
Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and partner with operations to identify root causes and improvement opportunities.
Manage and maintain standard cost data, supporting the annual standard cost‑setting process, including material pricing, labor, and overhead cost pools.
Lead Excess & Obsolete (E\&O) inventory analysis and reserve calculations, driving enhanced visibility into inventory risk and aging.
Partner with supply chain, operations, and manufacturing teams to improve inventory accuracy, cost transparency, and process efficiency.
Lead physical inventory counts and cycle counts, ensuring compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements.
Develop and enhance cost and inventory reporting, dashboards, and analytics to support operational and financial decision‑making.
Serve as a primary finance contact for cost accounting and inventory topics for internal stakeholders and auditors.
Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls, streamline close activities, and improve data quality.