Associate Director, Cost & Inventory Accounting Lead

At Pacira, innovation meets purpose.

Pacira BioSciences, Inc. is a pioneer in non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions. Today, we're building on that legacy with next-generation innovations for chronic, postsurgical, and musculoskeletal pain. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to helping patients recover faster. We are redefining what's possible in pain management-and we can't do it without talented people like you.

Why Join Us?

At Pacira, every career is more than a job. Our mission drives us, and every day, we challenge ourselves to achieve the extraordinary. Integrity is at the core of who we are. We value diverse perspectives and the collective strength of a unified team. Join the team in making better possible for patients everywhere.

Summary:

The Cost and Inventory Accounting Lead is responsible for the design, governance, and execution of cost accounting, including review and approval of monthly cost accounting entries, and inventory valuation across all company sites. This role establishes company-wide policies, drives consistency in costing methodologies, and provides accurate, timely financial insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Standard Costing & Variance analysis

• Lead standard costing methodologies, including development, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and validate material costs and identify cost-saving initiatives.
• Drive annual standard cost update process in ERP/SAP, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Review and approve monthly inventory-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and close deliverables.
• Lead variance analysis (PPV, usage, yield, scrap) and communicate insights to support decision making
• Consolidate production volumes and absorption metrics across sites for reporting and analysis.

Inventory Valuation and Control

• Establish and enforce inventory policies, procedures, and internal controls, including month-end cutoff and valuation practices
• Lead site-level physical inventory counts, ensuring compliance with and completeness, liaison with auditors, supply chain and 3^rd party locations.
• Lead assessment of inventory reserves (obsolete, slow-moving, expired) and prepare quarterly audit memoranda.
• Lead the development of methods and models for capitalization and amortization of overhead and revaluation variances
• Develop and lead inventory intercompany process including Journal entries and reconciliations

ERP Cost/Inventory Implementation Lead

• Lead ERP cost accounting design and implementation, including costing structures, work centers, routings, and rates.
• Serve as Finance lead on ERP implementation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build cost models to support new product introductions.
• Own SOX controls for cost and inventory, including design, documentation, and compliance testing.
• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors for inventory and cost accounting matters, including preparation of audit deliverables.
• Provide functional leadership to site cost accountants (dotted-line).
• Provide insight and drive alignment for key planning assumptions.

Other ad hoc analysis / projects as deemed necessary by the position's supervisors and business partners.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibility.

Interaction:

The incumbent reports to the Executive Director Finance and works closely with Site Controllers and Cost Accountants, Corporate Controlling/Accounting, FP&A, Tax, Legal, Operations, Auditors, and vendors

Education and Experience:

• 8+ years of relevant Cost Accounting experience
• Degree in Accounting required.
• CPA/CMA or MBA a plus
• Process Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical industry a plus.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and SOX compliance requirements
• Advanced proficiency in standard Cost Accounting methodologies and variance analysis
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with SAP in a manufacturing setting, recent SAP implementation experience strongly preferred
• Ability to travel up to 15%
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Process improvement mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Advanced Excel skills, proficiency in Word and Power Point
  
  

Work Environment:

The work setting is consistent with a typical pharmaceutical office environment with offices and cubicles.

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account with Company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Mental Health Resources
• Disability Coverage
• Life insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Fertility and Maternity Assistance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) and 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave

The base pay range for this role is $141,000 year to $185,000 per year. The range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience, training, licensure, and certifications. Depending on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered.

EEO Statement: Pacira is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability or genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. At Pacira we are committed to intentionally cultivating a culture of inclusion where all feel welcomed and valued for their background, perspectives, and experiences. We hold one another accountable to promote trust and transparency in support of our communities and collective purpose.
Agency Disclaimer: Pacira Biosciences, Inc. (Hereafter, Pacira) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies in response to the Pacira Careers page or a Pacira social media post. Pacira will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to unsolicited resumes. Pacira explicitly reserves the right to hire said candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Pacira.