Your mission

The Associate 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 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