Cost Accountant

About Charles River

Charles River is an early‑stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non‑GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces costs, enhances productivity, and increases speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in more than 20 countries, we coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives to resolve our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions.

About Corporate Functions

The Corporate Functions provide operational support across Charles River in areas such as Human Resources, Finance, IT, Legal, Sales, Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Corporate Development. They partner with colleagues across the company to develop and drive strategies, set global standards, and bridge strategic vision with operational readiness, ensuring ongoing functional innovation and capability improvement.

Job Summary

• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial close analysis and entries for assigned business units (e.g., inventory reserves, cost variances, balance sheet reconciliations) under strict deadlines.
• Analyze inventory costs and provide updated standard cost updates to the Inventory Controller.
• Reconcile monthly inventory for each assigned site.
• Analyze inventory activity by location and generate accruals as needed.
• Gather and consolidate monthly inventory data analytics.
• Manage annual inventory count process at assigned sites, including final reconciliation of results.
• Perform various inventory analyses as needed.
• Support SOX inventory controls and requirements for assigned areas.
• Ensure compliance with all Charles River inventory policies for assigned areas.
• Perform all other related duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in Finance/Accounting.
• 3–5 + years of experience in cost accounting, accounting, or analyst positions.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute.
• Excellent spreadsheet skills required.
• SAP experience preferred.
• Up to 5 % travel may be needed for year‑end audit.

Benefits

• Bonus/incentives based on performance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Stock purchase program
• Health and wellness coverage
• Employee and family wellbeing support programs
• Work‑life balance flexibility