Manager, Cost Accounting

Manager, Cost Accounting

Cogent Biosciences is preparing for its first commercial launch and we are seeking a Manager, Cost Accounting to build and maintain the inventory and cost of goods sold processes. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate product costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and financial reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP. This is a hands-on builder role suited for an experienced accountant with an expertise in pharmaceutical industry accounting practices, standard costing methodologies, inventory controls, and designing scalable accounting processes.

This position reports to the Commercial Accounting Leader and will partner closely with Supply Chain, FP&A, Quality, Technical Operations, external vendors, and senior finance leadership to support the Company's transition to a commercial-stage organization.

• Maintain and update the cost accounting policy & processes, including performing periodic analyses in support of our cost model and the regular investigation, resolution, and reporting of variances
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Quality, and FP&A teams to establish and maintain accurate product costing methodologies
• Manage accounting processes related to all stages of inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods) and ensure appropriate capitalization, costing, and variance analyses
• Complete inventory/cost accounting for month end financial close: enter journal entries, prepare account reconciliations, and provide inventory flux analysis/reporting related to external manufactured product (CMO model) to comply with U.S. GAAP
• Prepare inventory control documentation in collaboration with Supply Chain and 3PL partners; align with internal and external auditors as appropriate
• Manage inventory reconciliations, cycle count programs, physical inventory counts, and inventory reserve analyses to ensure internal controls are functioning as designed
• Track and monitor inventory movement, capitalization, and reserves (including excess and obsolete inventory), working directly with external vendors to ensure accurate monthly reports
• Collaborate with the FP&A team to understand gross margin and inventory trends, and provide timely and insightful financial analysis of costs and margins to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling related to manufacturing and inventory costs
• Provide financial analysis and operational insights regarding inventory performance, margin analysis, and supply chain efficiency to support strategic decision making
• Develop cost estimates for potential new products and projects in conjunction with the FP&A and Supply Chain teams
• Drive continuous improvements in inventory accounting processes, ERP system utilization, and reporting

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting, required; CPA and/or CMA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with inventory and cost accounting responsibility within a biotech or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience, required
• Deep expertise in manufacturing operations (raw material, drug substance, drug product, packaging, & finished goods), inventory, and cost accounting, and the applicable U.S. GAAP requirements in those areas
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels as well as external vendors
• Demonstrated history of successfully managing multiple tasks with the ability to prioritize appropriately and meet deadlines
• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills and highly proficient in Excel-based modeling
• Experience supporting external audits and internal control environments
• Experience with Netsuite ERP, a plus

Salary Range: $135,000 to $155,000 USD

Target Bonus: 15% Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA:
Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO:
Our Boulder location is home to Cogent's discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

At Cogent…