Senior Cost Accountant

About Mission Bio

Based in South San Francisco, Mission Bio is the leader in single cell, multi-omics solutions for precision medicine. Our mission is to empower researchers and clinicians to eradicate cancer, and our Tapestri® Platform is at the center of that effort. As the industry’s first high throughput single cell, multi-omics solution, Tapestri is trusted by leading academic medical centers, cancer institutes, and biopharma companies to advance research and accelerate the development of curative therapies, including the future of cell and gene therapy.

We are entering an exciting growth phase focused on innovation, deeper commercial partnerships, and broader clinical adoption. Our expanded tri-omics capabilities now combine targeted gene expression and genotyping in a single assay, opening up new opportunities across oncology and therapeutic development.

We are a dynamic and diverse team that lives by the culture of One Cell. One Team.  We’re driven by impact, empowered to think like owners, and united by the belief that we learn and achieve more together.

This is a high-impact opportunity to join our Finance team during a pivotal time of growth. As a Cost Accountant, you’ll play a key role in strengthening our financial foundation by leading our cost accounting activities and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial data. Your work will directly contribute to the transparency and efficiency that enable our teams to make informed, strategic decisions.

If you’re a detail-oriented, mission-driven cost accounting professional ready to grow your career in a cutting-edge life science company shaping the future of precision medicine, we’d love to hear from you.

SENIOR COST ACCOUNTANT

You’ll play a vital part in supporting the financial health of our organization through a wide range of accounting responsibilities.  This role is critical to ensure accurate cost tracking and accurate inventory valuation, as well as driving cost-efficiency across production operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cost accounting, standard costing, and inventory management, with a solid understanding of life science manufacturing processes.

You’ll work closely with teams across the company to ensure accurate reporting, maintain compliance, and help build scalable financial processes as we continue to grow.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and monitor standard costs for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Work closely with the operations teams to understand cost drivers and variances.
• Maintain accurate inventory valuation and ensure alignment with GAAP and company policies.
• Support technical accounting issues related to the financial close and understand the accounting impact of proposed transactions regarding different functions while ensuring that GAAP is maintained.
• Calculate Inventory Excess and Obsolete Reserve quarterly. Provide detail analysis and prepare actions to reduce.
• Perform variance analysis (PPV, labor, overhead, material usage) and provide insights to management.
• Support month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning by providing accurate cost data and trend analysis.
• Support capital project accounting and track costs against budgets.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules and documentation related to manufacturing costs and inventory.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve operational and financial performance.
• Lead and assist operations team in performing cycle counts.
• Take on ad hoc projects and complete the in a timely and accurate manner.

Required Skills, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• At least five years of experience in cost accounting.
• Experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences manufacturing environment required.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience with NetSuite and advanced Excel skills required.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• An eye toward continuous improvement with a successful track record of optimizing processes.

What can Mission Bio offer you?

The base salary for this role is between $100,000 to $110,000 depending on experience.

Additional Benefits We Offer (US Only):

• Participation in the company’s long-term incentive programs, which ensure eligible employees participate in the company’s success
• Comprehensive benefits for U.S. employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pre-tax commuter options, and a 401(k) plan
• Flexible working hours and an unlimited vacation policy to support personal well-being and productivity
• Training and professional development opportunities, including dedicated time with your manager to define growth goals and expand your expertise

Mission Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Agency Disclaimer:

Please note that Mission Bio is not accepting agency submissions for this role. Any resumes received from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies without a prior signed agreement will be considered unsolicited, and Mission Bio will not be obligated to pay any referral fees related to this position.