Cost Accounting Manager

At Azenta, new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer‑focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo through collaborative, data‑driven problem solving.

Azenta Life Sciences is a global leader in the life sciences space, with headquarters in Burlington, MA, and operations worldwide. We are a market leader in automated biosample management solutions and genomic services, supporting the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotech, academic, and healthcare institutions. Our comprehensive portfolio spans sample management, storage, informatics software, laboratory services, and consumables, with millions of samples managed globally.

How You’ll Add Value…

We are hiring a Cost Accounting Manager to support across Products Stores Group, owning inventory and cost accounting activities tied to manufacturing and warehouse operations. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role will serve as a key finance partner to operations and accounting, ensuring accurate inventory valuation, manufacturing cost reporting, and compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls.

This role blends hands‑on cost accounting execution with process leadership and cross‑functional partnership, supporting monthly and quarterly close, standard cost processes, inventory controls, and operational decision‑making. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting knowledge, an operational mindset, and the ability to clearly explain cost drivers, variances, and risks to finance and operations leaders.

What You’ll Do…

• Own inventory and cost accounting activities for the Stores Group, ensuring accurate and timely reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support monthly and quarterly close by preparing and reviewing cost‑related journal entries, inventory reserves, reconciliations, and flux analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and partner with operations to identify root causes and improvement opportunities.
• Manage and maintain standard cost data, supporting leading the annual standard cost‑setting process, including material pricing, labor, and overhead cost pools.
• Lead Excess & Obsolete (E\&O) inventory analysis and reserve calculations, driving enhanced visibility into inventory risk and aging.
• Partner with supply chain, operations, and manufacturing teams to improve inventory accuracy, cost transparency, and process efficiency.
• Support Lead physical inventory counts and cycle counts, ensuring compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements.
• Develop and enhance cost and inventory reporting, dashboards, and analytics to support operational and financial decision‑making.
• Serve as a primary finance contact for cost accounting and inventory topics for internal stakeholders and auditors.
• Liaison with external auditors and internal auditors to perform inventory controls and provide appropriate audit evidence
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls, streamline close activities, and improve data quality.

What You’ll Bring…

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing finance, preferably in a complex or global environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory concepts under U.S. GAAP, including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting physical inventory counts, E\&O reserves, and SOX‑compliant controls.
• Advanced Excel skills (analysis, modeling, complex formulas) and experience working with ERP systems; Oracle experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate detailed cost data into clear insights.
• A hands‑on, “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” approach with the ability to partner effectively across finance and operations.

Working Conditions / Schedule

• This is an onsite role in Burlington, MA, 4+ days per week
• This role could be based onsite 4+ days per week at any of the following locations:
  • Burlington, MA
  • Billerica, MA.
  • Springfield, MO
  • Manchester, UK
• Periodic site visits to local other manufacturing or warehouse locations (as business needs require).

EOE M/F/Disabled/VET

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications),  qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.