Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease. A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.
The Sr. Cost Accountant will support a newly established greenfield site within a biopharmaceutical organization. This position is pivotal in driving robust financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making for the site’s startup and ongoing operations. Working closely with the Director of Finance, the Sr. Cost Accountant will leverage their expertise to manage material & inventory valuation, operational efficiency, standard cost, and overall financial performance in a highly regulated, rapidly evolving environment.
The Sr. Cost Accountant will help develop the cost account structure, in coordination with the Director, for the facility by working closely with the Manufacturing and Engineering departments to match physical flow and transactions in an ERP system, as well as creating overhead calculations for all support departments and processes.
As an individual contributor, you will take a compassionate and people-focused approach to your work. You will proactively collaborate with others to create a supportive and inclusive environment, always acting in line with the organization’s values. By using strong interpersonal skills, you will work effectively with diverse viewpoints, manage relationships thoughtfully, and make decisions that meet both individual and team needs. You will be accountable for delivering results, adapting to challenges, and helping achieve business goals. Additionally, you will take ownership of your tasks, act with initiative, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. You will handle change with resilience and clarity, staying flexible in a fast-paced environment while keeping the needs of patients at the center of your efforts.
This role reports into the Director, Manufacturing Plant Controller
Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
• Collecting, classifying, and analyzing cost information to determine the actual cost of goods.
• Analyzing manufacturing cost, preparing reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs, and analyzing cost variances
• Managing inventory accounting, reporting, and reconciliation; including monitoring inventory levels and assisting with physical inventory counts
• Manage inventory obsolescence in coordination with Quality and other departments.
• Work with various departments, such as production, operations, and engineering, to investigate cost discrepancies and implement cost-control measures
• Work with Engineering department in the development and update of standard cost in the Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Ensure accurate cost classification following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Monitor the accumulation of all direct materials, direct labor, overhead and other manufacturing-related expenses.
• Manage compliance of quality assurance against variances to ensure favorable cost variances do not pose significant regulatory risk by compromising quality control
• Support Monthly and Quarterly close items related to reconciliation, journal entries, and other general accounting responsibilities
• Manage Monthly and Quarterly Reporting and developing metrics for benchmarking internally and externally.
• Audit responsibilities related to internal and external audit team
• Coordinate with Master Data to ensure Data Integrity related to product information is free from material error
Individual contributor, with responsibility to lead or work with cross-functional project teams.
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required. Master’s degree preferred
• Relevant certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is required
Experience
• Cost accounting experience in the life sciences or biopharmaceutical industry is required.
• Demonstrated success working on capital-intensive projects, such as greenfield or large-scale expansions.
• Familiarity with industry-specific considerations (costing structure in biopharma manufacturing, inventory management).
• Experience working in small to medium-sized organizations is a plus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in discussing financial reports with company stakeholders.
• Experience with starting up and operating in a biopharma manufacturing facility is a plus.
Technical Skills
• Proficiency in cost variance analysis and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Word, DataRails).
• Proficiency in ERP systems (i.e., MS Dynamics, as an example), financial reporting software, and budgeting software (i.e.Tagetik, as an example).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and other relevant accounting principles.
• Understanding of the cost accounting cycle from Raw Material receiving, production, scrap, and inventory FIFO systems
• Analytical and Problem-solving skills; ability to interpret complex financial data and identify cost-savings opportunities
Non-Technical Skills
• Results-oriented and able to navigate ambiguity.
• Set clear outcomes, track progress, follow through on commitments, and ensure actions lead to measurable results that advance organizational objectives.
• Respond promptly, take accountability, and manage tasks efficiently.
• Adapt to change with clarity, patience, and understanding, guiding teams through evolving challenges.
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid work ethic while demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to foster alignment in a global environment.
• Communicate with care by actively listening and considering others' perspectives, fostering productive, engaging interactions, and managing relationships with kindness.
• Embrace personal growth through continuous learning and knowledge sharing, maintaining a growth mindset.
• Promote inclusive collaboration by respecting diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming work environment.
• Contribute positively by recognizing achievements and encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
• Collaborate with respect, integrity, and humility, prioritizing collective success over individual gain.
• Resourceful and proactive, challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and develop creative solutions.
• Apply an enterprise-wide, holistic mindset, working beyond siloed thinking to deliver cohesive, integrated solutions.
Must be able to work in an office and regulated manufacturing environment, including construction/start-up phases, with appropriate PPE. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by law.
This position is based on-site in Sanford, NC. Other standard company policies for flexible work arrangements do not apply to this role. This is not a hybrid or remote role.
Requires up to 10% domestic and limited international travel
The anticipated salary for this position will be $97,800 to $127,700. The actual salary offered for this role at commencement of employment may vary based on several factors including but not limited to relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications, job-based knowledge, location, and other business and organizational needs.
The listed salary is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America we provide a comprehensive range of benefits including:
The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.
KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions
It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.
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