Director, Cost Accounting – Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing

Pierre Fabre

$150K — $200K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or Accounting; CPA preferred
  • 7-10 years of progressive cost accounting experience in pharmaceuticals or biologics
  • Strong technical understanding of ERP systems (MS Dynamics, SAP, or Oracle)
  • Proven experience in managing cost accounting for long-cycle manufacturing processes
  • In-depth knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing overhead allocation
  • Ability to interpret complex production data and yields

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement the end-to-end cost accounting structure for cell therapy product manufacturing
  • Establish processes for accurate cost collection and allocation across production
  • Collaborate with Technical Operations to define cost flow mapping and WIP tracking
  • Partner with IT/ERP team to configure product costing and routing in the ERP system
  • Maintain standard cost models reflecting the full manufacturing lifecycle
  • Develop processes to reconcile standard vs. actual production costs
  • Support monthly close, inventory valuation, and manufacturing P&L analysis

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off policy and paid company holidays
  • Paid parental leave and employee discounts on products
  • Professional development opportunities and access to mental health programs
Full Job Description
Your mission

TheDirector of Cost accountingis responsible forestablishingand leading the cost accounting framework for a complex, multi-stagecelland gene therapy product.This position will design and implement cost tracking processes across external manufacturing partners (CDMOs) and internal Technical Operations, ensuringaccuratecost capture, variance analysis, and ERP system integration.

Theideal candidatewould havegoodunderstanding 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 forcell therapy product manufacturing,from raw materialpurchasingthrough intermediate and final product manufacturing.

  • Establish processes foraccuratecost collection, allocation, and capitalization acrossIntermediate and Finished Goodsproduction.

  • Collaborate withtheTechnical Operationsteam todefine cost flow mapping, WIP tracking, and batch-level cost attribution.

  • Partner withIT/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

  • Maintainstandard 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 operationalchanges, yield assumptions, and pricing updates from vendors.

  • Maintain visibility of upstream and downstream manufacturing cost drivers.

  • Support the Controllerand CFOindetermininginventory 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 eachvarious stages of the manufacturing process.

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

  • Analyze andreportthefinancial impactof batch failures, production delays, or material write-offs.

  • Collaborate with accounting during monthly close to ensureaccurateaccruals 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 OperationsandSupply Chain to ensure cost accuracy and transparency.

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

Competencies:

  • Understanding ofaccounting processes,procedureand internal controls.

  • Extensive skills in MicrosoftExcel;

  • 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:

  • Bachelor27s degree, in Business, Finance orAccounting;

  • CPAis preferred

  • 710years of progressive cost accounting experience in pharmaceuticals, biologics, or complex manufacturing

  • Strong technical understanding of ERP systems (preferablyMS 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 positionbasedin Secaucus, NJ, and offers a hybrid work arrangement with two remote days each week.

  • This joboperatesin a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipmentthisis alargely sedentaryrole; however, it requires the ability to lift marketing materials, open product cabinets and bend or stand on astoolas necessary.

  • The normal working hours of the office are from 8:30 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Reporting Structure:

  • Reports to Controller

  • Works in tandem with another cost accountant

Travel: <10%

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range: $150,000 6 $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 opportunities, and access to mental health and wellness programs.

Pierre Fabre

True to My Nature

https://www.pierre-fabre.com/en-us

Who you are ?


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