[Hiring] Senior Manager, Cost Accounting @Achieve Life Sciences

Role Description

At Achieve Life Sciences, we’re preparing to bring an innovative smoking cessation treatment to market and building the capabilities needed to support our next phase of growth. As we prepare for launch, we’re focused on creating the financial infrastructure, operational discipline, and cross-functional partnerships that will support a successful commercialization.

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Senior Manager, Cost Accounting will own Achieve’s cost accounting function and help translate complex financial data into actionable business insights. This role will shape costing methodologies, strengthen inventory management and financial controls, and partner across Finance, Operations, CMC, and Supply Chain to inform decisions around production, pricing, and profitability.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Cost Accounting & Inventory Management:
  • Own standard costing methodologies, annual standard cost updates, rate development, inventory valuation, and variance analysis across raw materials, work in process, and finished goods.
  • Analyze manufacturing costs, inventory movements, reserves, and cost of goods sold to identify trends, explain variances, and support corrective actions.
• Own Financial Close & Reporting:
  • Manage month-end and quarter-end cost accounting activities, including journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and balance sheet reviews.
  • Deliver accurate, timely reporting and present cost and margin analysis to Finance and Operations leadership.
• Strengthen Financial Controls & Compliance:
  • Establish and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for inventory and cost accounting.
  • Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable SOX requirements and support internal and external audits.
• Drive Business Insights & Cross-Functional Partnership:
  • Partner with Operations, CMC, Supply Chain, and FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning related to cost of goods sold.
  • Develop product costing and margin analyses, evaluate cost drivers, and provide financial insights to support pricing, capital investment, new product, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Own Cost Accounting Systems & Process Improvement:
  • Maintain cost accounting ERP configuration and partner with IT and ERP stakeholders on system enhancements, upgrades, and process governance.
  • Improve costing methodologies, reporting automation, and close efficiency while promoting data integrity and consistent processes.
• Develop Operational Cost Metrics:
  • Build and maintain KPI reporting and dashboards that provide visibility into manufacturing efficiency, scrap, yield, overhead absorption, and other key cost drivers.
  • Translate findings into practical recommendations that improve financial visibility and business performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3 or more years focused on cost accounting in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, standard costing methodologies, inventory accounting, manufacturing variances, and inventory valuation.
• Hands-on experience managing cost accounting close activities, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit support.
• Experience with ERP systems and cost accounting configuration, including the ability to maintain and improve costing processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) is particularly valuable; experience with systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite is also relevant.
• Advanced Excel skills, including complex financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, including the ability to influence stakeholders and partner with teams outside of Finance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or multi-site operations.
• CPA or MBA.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k)-retirement plan.
• Participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid time off and paid company holidays.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150,000-$175,000 USD annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate of what Achieve reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for an annual target bonus and equity compensation as determined by the Company’s compensation committee.

Location & Travel

This is a remote, field-based position. Candidates may reside anywhere in the United States. This role requires travel of up to 10% for conferences and company meetings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Achieve Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [email protected].