Cost Accounting Senior Manager

Xplora Search Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RSUs

Annual bonus

On-site 2–3 days per week

High visibility

Job summary

Xplora Search Group is seeking a Senior Manager of Cost Accounting to lead cost accounting, inventory valuation, and related financial reporting in a highsights manufacturing environment. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive cost optimization and robust accounting controls.

The position involves partnering with FP&A and operations to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives, with 2–3 days onsite and a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 9+ years of progressive accounting experience with emphasis on cost accounting.
• Experience in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotech, or inventory‑intensive environments.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and internal controls, including SOX.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Proven ability to partner with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly and quarterly cost accounting close activities, ensuring accurate reporting of inventory, COGS, and related GL accounts.
• Manage cost accounting processes, including inventory valuation, product costing, overhead allocation, cost absorption, and COGS.
• Analyze manufacturing and operational costs, identifying variances and opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Oversee inventory reconciliations, reserve calculations, and periodic physical inventories with operational teams.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and schedules related to inventory and cost accounting.
• Partner with FP&A and operations leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to senior finance leadership to support business decisions.
• Monitor manufacturing and operational spending, including production, purchasing, overhead, and unit economics.
• Maintain internal controls and support compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate audit requests and provide documentation for quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes and strengthen financial controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small accounting team.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Financial analysis

SOX/internal controls

Spreadsheet proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

NetSuite ERP

Excel advanced

Job description

A publicly traded company in the Philadelphia area is seeking a Senior Manager of Cost Accounting to lead key cost accounting functions and support financial planning, operational performance, and continued business growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounting professional with a strong background in cost accounting, inventory, and financial analysis. The position will work closely with cross-functional finance and operational teams, providing financial insights and helping strengthen accounting processes, controls, and reporting.

Highlights:

• Competitive base + 15% bonus + RSUs
• 2-3 days onsite, flexible schedule
• High-visibility position with exposure to senior finance leadership
• Ability to influence cost accounting processes, financial reporting, and operational decision-making
• Collaborative finance team and opportunity to lead and develop accounting professionals

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly and quarterly cost accounting close activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of inventory, cost of sales, and related general ledger accounts.
• Manage cost accounting processes, including inventory valuation, product costing, overhead allocation, cost absorption, and cost of goods sold.
• Analyze manufacturing and operational costs, identifying variances, trends, and opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Oversee inventory reconciliations, reserve calculations, and periodic physical inventory activities in collaboration with operational teams.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules related to inventory and cost accounting.
• Partner with FP&A and operational leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to senior finance leadership, supporting business decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor manufacturing and operational spending, including production volumes, purchasing activity, overhead costs, and unit economics.
• Maintain effective internal controls and support compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate audit requests and provide supporting documentation for quarterly reviews and annual financial audits.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve reporting accuracy, and strengthen financial controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of accounting professionals, providing guidance and oversight of daily responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 9+ years of progressive accounting experience, with a strong emphasis on cost accounting.
• Experience within a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other inventory-intensive environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, cost of goods sold, product costing, overhead allocation, and cost analysis.
• Experience with month-end and quarter-end close processes, financial reporting, and account reconciliations.
• Solid understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control requirements, including SOX.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with cross-functional teams, including finance, operations, and manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems is preferred.