Associate Director, Cost Accounting

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. in San Diego seeks an Associate Director of Cost Accounting to lead our cost accounting function, ensuring accurate cost management and insightful financial reporting.

You will partner with operations, manufacturing, and supply chain to optimize costs and drive profitability across biotech programs. The role requires deep knowledge of ERP systems (SAP/Oracle), strong analytical ability, and a track record of leading finance teams in life sciences environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Master's or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years in cost accounting or financial management, preferably in Life Sciences, pharma, or biotech.
• At least 3–5 years in a managerial/supervisory role leading cost accounting/finance teams.
• Extensive experience with cost accounting systems and ERP software (SAP, Oracle) and data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI).
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and financial analysis.
• Ability to manage complex financial models and cost systems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting functions including standard costs, inventory valuation, and variances.
• Oversee COGS calculations, inventory reconciliation, and standard cost settings.
• Review monthly, quarterly, and annual cost performance and identify optimization opportunities.
• Develop and present cost reports to senior leadership, highlighting drivers and trends.
• Monitor manufacturing costs, variances, and margins; advise on profitability improvements.
• Assist in annual budgets and forecasts with emphasis on cost projections and margin optimization.
• Lead initiatives to improve cost accounting systems, tools, and processes.
• Develop cost models and simulations to assess financial impact of production decisions.
• Oversee inventory valuation and ensure accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Ensure GAAP/IFRS adherence and strong internal controls; support audits.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

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 isDeramiocel(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.

$150,000 - $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.

Notice to Recruiting Agencies

Capricor Therapeutics does not accept candidate submissions or referrals from recruiting agencies, staffing firms, or third-party recruiters without express written approval from Talent Acquisition and a fully executed agreement with Capricor. Agencies that contact hiring managers directly, solicit business, or submit candidates without prior approval will not be considered for engagement. Any unsolicited submissions will become the property of Capricor Therapeutics, and no fees will be paid for candidates hired as a result of such submissions. We appreciate your cooperation and respect for this policy.