Director, Cost Accounting

Overview

Job Description

The Director, Cost Accounting leads financial close accounting, analysis and reporting of cost accounting valuation, inventory movements, reserves, and cost of goods, as well as other key accounting judgements and internal controls. In addition, the Director builds an operational strategy to support the growth of the Cost Accounting function in support of broader company objectives. The Director will work closely with various teams across the global organization, ensuring projects are in alignment with functional and corporate strategy.

• In collaboration with functional leaders, develops the overall strategy for cost accounting. Creates a framework to support the growth of the function and company, establishes/oversees related goals and objectives.
• Approves and affirms the completeness and accuracy of month-end close tasks; is accountable for overseeing all related journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, financial flux, key judgements, internal controls and management reporting.
• Identifies the need for new/updated policies, technical accounting memos, SOPs and internal controls. Develops and implements accounting policies and procedures with respect to inventory and inventory related accounts. Provides technical guidance, mentoring, and ensures consistent application of cost accounting principles.
• Leads a cost accounting team of professionals and managers; sets team goals, objectives, staffing, roles and responsibilities; monitors performance; coaches and provides feedback.
• Collaborates with supply chain leaders to develop appropriate cost accounting strategies for capturing supplier reconciliations, production schedules, contracts, inventory movements and related matters to ensure inventory is fairly stated on the balance sheet.
• Champions and oversees research on cost accounting questions and special projects.
• Delivers compelling presentations to senior / cross functional teams, tailoring the conversation to specific audiences and situations. Demonstrates ability to balance presentations to manage differing points of view.
• Ensures global operational processes and transactional activities balance both business and financial needs.
• Ensures project alignment with functional and corporate strategy
• Mobilizes resources needed to address business needs and effectively realigns resources and implements tactics to meet shifting needs and priorities.
• Oversees the deliverables for quarterly reviews and annual audits performed by internal and external auditors.
• Identifies and cultivates productive relationships with business partners and stakeholders.
• Provides leadership and takes accountability for identifying and driving process/ systems improvement initiatives.
• Serves as management sponsor for cross-functional projects and process enhancements.
• Manages a team of cost accounting professionals; sets team goals, monitors performance and provides effective coaching and feedback.
• Oversees preparation of key ad-hoc reporting and analysis requested by senior leadership.
• Consistently improves process and functional performance through innovative approaches to challenges. Fosters the culture of improvement and technology expertise amongst the Team.

Knowledge and

Skills:

• Comprehensive and strategic understanding of accounting principles.
• Expert knowledge of relevant systems / software
• Advanced Excel skills and use of Oracle EBS, or similar ERP systems
• A highly skilled manager, has the ability to successfully plan, prioritize, and manage multiple complex initiatives key to success of the function.
• Ability to help drive organizational change through addressing processes, systems, structures and cultural issues.
• Experience in leading highly complex projects that cross multiple functions; skilled at navigating difficult collaborations, and persuading others to adopt a different point of view or bring them to consensus.
• Demonstrated ability to frame and communicate complex technical analyses or initiatives to a variety of technical or non-technical stakeholders. Expertise in translating data and analyses into effective and persuasive messaging and convincing leaders to take action.
• Ability to transform functional strategy into operational goals and objectives for assigned team members.
• Skilled at managing a diverse team, motivating high performance and contribution through effective coaching and mentoring; skilled at assessing team member skills and interests to allocate assignments, drive training and encourage their career development.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, or related discipline.
• Typically requires 10 years of experience in a corporate finance/accounting department, public accounting firm or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supervisory experience required

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in…