Associate Director, Cost Accounting

Capricor Therapeutics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Equity incentives

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Capricor Therapeutics in San Diego, CA seeks an Associate Director of Cost Accounting to lead cost accounting functions, manage standard costs, COGS, inventory valuation, and provide insights to optimize margins.

You will oversee monthly/quarterly/annual cost performance, develop reports for senior leadership, ensure GAAP/IFRS adherence, manage cross-functional collaboration with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain, and drive process improvements with automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s or CPA preferred.
• 8–10 years cost accounting or financial management experience, life sciences preferred.
• 3–5 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and data tools (Excel/Power BI).

Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting functions: standard costs, inventory valuation, variances.
• Oversee COGS, inventory reconciliation, standard costs for products/services.
• Analyze cost performance monthly/quarterly/annually; identify optimization opportunities.
• Present cost reports to senior leadership; drive margin improvement and cost models.

Skills

Team leadership

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration

Master's degree or CPA (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Capricor Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CAPR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing transformative cell and exosome-based therapies for rare diseases. At the forefront of our innovation is Deramiocel (CAP-1002), our lead cell therapy in late-stage development for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We are also harnessing our proprietary StealthX™ exosome platform to unlock new possibilities in targeted delivery and vaccinology. Every program reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and delivering life-changing treatments to patients and families who need them most.

The Associate Director of Cost Accounting in the Life Sciences industry is responsible for overseeing and managing cost accounting functions, ensuring accurate cost management, and providing financial insights to support the business in decision-making. The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, manufacturing, and supply chain departments, to optimize costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to the company’s financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting functions, including the preparation, analysis, and reporting of standard costs, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variances.

• Oversee the preparation of cost of goods sold (COGS) calculations, inventory reconciliation, and the establishment of standard costs for products and services.

• Review and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual cost performance, ensuring accuracy and identifying opportunities for cost optimization.

• Develop, prepare, and present cost reports and analysis to senior leadership, highlighting key cost drivers and trends.

• Monitor and analyze manufacturing costs, variances, and product margins, and provide recommendations to improve profitability.

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, with an emphasis on cost projections and margin optimization.

• Lead initiatives to improve cost accounting systems, tools, and processes, driving greater accuracy, automation, and efficiency in cost tracking and reporting.

• Develop cost models and simulations to assess the financial impact of production decisions, such as changes in raw materials, labor costs, and production volumes.

• Oversee inventory valuation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company policies.

• Ensure accurate reconciliation of inventory balances and provide guidance on inventory management best practices.

• Ensure the team’s adherence to deadlines and high-quality standards in financial reporting and cost analysis.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and drive cost optimization strategies.

• Ensure that cost accounting practices adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and company-specific policies.

• Maintain strong internal controls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of cost accounting data.

• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and explanations of cost-related processes.

• Ensure cost accounting methods and reporting are in compliance with industry regulations and standards, such as those set by the FDA and other governing bodies.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned to you from time to time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is preferred.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in cost accounting or financial management, preferably within the Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sectors.

• At least 3–5 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, leading a team of cost accountants or finance professionals.

• Extensive experience with cost accounting systems, ERP software (SAP, Oracle, etc.), and data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, etc.).

• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and financial analysis.

• In-depth understanding of manufacturing cost structures, labor costing, and overhead allocation.

• Ability to manage complex financial models and cost systems.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive process improvements.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

$175,000 - $200,000 a year

Compensation and Benefits

The posted salary range represents Capricor’s good‑faith estimate of the salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position at the time of hire. Final compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, scope of role, location, and internal equity.

This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus and, depending on the level of the role, long‑term equity incentive awards in accordance with company policy.

Capricor Therapeutics offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer‑sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage; company‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; paid time off and company holidays; and paid parental leave. Additional voluntary benefits and wellness programs may also be available.

Why Capricor?

Capricor Therapeutics is advancing cell and exosome‑based therapies with a focus on serious diseases where patients and families need new treatment options. Our work is grounded in scientific rigor, collaboration, and a shared commitment to moving meaningful therapies forward. Joining Capricor means being part of a mission‑driven team working at the intersection of innovation, execution, and patient impact.

Come Work With Us

At Capricor, you’ll join a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to contribute, grow, and help build the systems, science, and operations needed to support our next stage of growth. We value people who are thoughtful, accountable, hands‑on, and motivated by work that can make a real difference.