Sr. Director, Cost Accounting and Inventory Finance

Job Description

General Summary:

The Senior Director, Cost Accounting & Inventory Finance is a key member of Vertex's Finance organization and the leader of the Cost Accounting function. This role sets the tone for the group and organizes the team to efficiently achieve goals through delegation and accountability, enabling the Cost Accounting function to scale in support of broader company objectives. The Senior Director leads financial close accounting, analysis and reporting of cost accounting valuation, inventory movements, reserves, and cost of goods, as well as other key accounting judgements and internal controls. The Senior Director will partner closely with various teams across the global organization, ensuring projects are in alignment with functional and corporate strategy.

This position is based in our Boston, MA location (Seaport area) and requires a hybrid work schedule with 3 days in office /2 days remote on a weekly basis.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads a cost accounting team of professionals and managers; sets team goals, objectives, staffing, roles and responsibilities; monitors performance; coaches and provides feedback.
• Develops and implements the overall strategy for Cost Accounting. Creates a framework to support the growth of the function and company, maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.
• Approves and affirms the completeness and accuracy of month-end close tasks; is accountable for overseeing all related journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, financial flux, key judgements, internal controls and management reporting.
• Oversees the deliverables for quarterly reviews and annual audits performed by internal and external auditors.
• Ensures SOX compliance for responsible area, including the development and implementation of improvements to current controls.
• Provides technical guidance, mentoring, and ensures consistent application of cost accounting principles. Develops and implements accounting policies and procedures with respect to inventory and inventory related accounts.
• Provides leadership and takes accountability for identifying and driving process/ systems improvement initiatives.
• Identifies and cultivates productive relationships with business partners and stakeholders, including collaboration with Supply Chain leaders to develop appropriate cost accounting strategies to ensure inventory is fairly stated on the balance sheet.
• Serves as management sponsor for cross-functional projects and process enhancements.
• Champions and oversees research on cost accounting questions and special projects.
• Oversees preparation of key ad-hoc reporting and analysis requested by senior leadership.
• Delivers compelling presentations to senior / cross functional teams, tailoring the conversation to specific audiences and situations. Demonstrates ability to balance presentations to manage differing points of view.
• Ensures global operational processes and transactional activities balance both business and financial needs.
• Mobilizes resources needed to address business needs and effectively realigns resources and implements tactics to meet shifting needs and priorities.
• Consistently improves process and functional performance through innovative approaches to challenges. Fosters a culture of improvement, strong communication and technology expertise amongst the Team.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication, influencing and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interaction with management at the highest level, as well as business partners and peers within Finance and Accounting.
• Ability to lead and drive change in a developing business environment, coordinating processes involving large numbers of people, complex systems, and tight deadlines across multiple time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to frame and communicate complex technical analyses or initiatives to a variety of technical or non-technical stakeholders. Expertise in translating data and analyses into effective and persuasive messaging and convincing leaders to take action.
• Ability to transform functional strategy into operational goals and objectives for assigned team members.
• Comprehensive and strategic understanding of cost accounting principles.
• Expert knowledge of relevant systems / software
• Advanced Excel skills and use of Oracle EBS, or similar ERP systems
• Skilled at developing and managing a diverse team, motivating high performance and contribution through effective coaching and mentoring; skilled at assessing team member skills and interests to allocate assignments, drive training and encourage their career development.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or an equivalent qualification.
• 12+ years of experience in accounting/finance within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industries, with heavy emphasis on cost accounting; Big 4 experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com