Director, Cost Accounting – Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing

Pierre Fabre•Secaucus, NJ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 would have a 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, in Business, Finance or Accounting
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

CPA is preferred

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.