Senior Cost Accountant

Summary: Our client, a biopharmaceutical company located in Cork, is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to join their team. The team that the successful candidate will join has global responsibility for TOPS (Technical Operations and Product Supply) reporting including inventory costing, excess & obsolescence, SOX compliance, US GAAP audits, intercompany profit elimination and balance sheet reconciliations. The ideal candidate will be part of a team responsible for global manufacturing and supply chain finance operations for products throughout multiple stages of production and distribution, and will be a key member of a cross-functional accounting team, collaborating extensively with regional and global finance teams and technical operations teams. Responsibilities: Month-end close responsibilities include appropriate treatment of operating overhead, balance sheet reconciliations in accordance with US GAAP and submission of close deliverables. Accounting for manufacturing activity including material purchases, overhead absorption and contract manufacturing costs. Ensure correct accounting for Buy/Sell entities and all intercompany inventory transactions, including calculating and recording Profit in Inventory (PII) eliminations. Develop an understanding of material flow from bulk manufacturing through to fill/finish stage to ensure accuracy of inventory values. Monitor production plans for bulk manufacturing and CMO activity to ensure accurate inventory valuation and completeness of overhead absorption. Conduct data mining and analysis, interpreting and communicating information to relevant stakeholders in a meaningful and actionable way. Evaluate inventory balances for excess and obsolescence and determine need for inventory reserves. Review and analyse inventory variances on a monthly basis and work with business functions to understand drivers. Participate in the annual standard cost setting process. Assist with preparation of consolidated financial management reporting for TOPS for balance sheet and P&L inventory areas. Review and maintain cycle counts and initiate action on any discrepancies. Work closely with CMO, supply chain and manufacturing departments to ensure inventory accuracy at all locations. Maintain internal controls in line with corporate standards, GAAP and Sarbanes Oxley requirements. Work with internal and external auditors as required. Establish relationships with Corporate & Regional Finance teams to ensure all reporting requirements are performed timely and accurately. Represent TOPS Finance in local and global projects and initiatives. Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to drive process efficiencies and participate in transformation projects as required. Collaborate with ERP and global finance teams to identify and introduce process enhancements to improve efficiency. Interact and collaborate effectively within workgroup and area of expertise. Participate effectively on cross-functional teams, offering views and actively solicits ideas from others in seeking sound business solutions. Encourage others in fostering effective teamwork. Demonstrate very strong customer service orientation. Qualifications & Experience: ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA qualification. Experience in a multi-national organization is required and costing experience highly desirable. Knowledge of US GAAP, Sarbanes Oxley and internal control environment desirable. Experience with an integrated ERP system, general ledger functions, sub-ledger processes, and period closing. Oracle and/or SAP experience is a distinct advantage. Understanding of relationship of other accounting functions to manufacturing accounting.