Senior Director, Commercial Accounting
Cogent Biosciences
Who We Are:
Cogent Biosciences is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on developing novel precision therapies to treat a broad range of patients with unmet medical needs. Cogent’s lead program, bezuclastinib, is designed to selectively and potently inhibit exon 17 mutations found within the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, including KIT D816V. KIT D816V is responsible for driving a rare and serious condition called Systemic Mastocytosis, and exon 17 mutations are also found in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of cancer with strong dependence on oncogenic KIT signaling. Bezuclastinib has exhibited promising initial data across all three trials: APEX in AdvSM, SUMMIT in NonAdvSM and PEAK in GIST, including an encouraging safety profile across 600+ patients in single agent and combination dosing.
The Role:
Cogent Biosciences is preparing for its first commercial launch and we are seeking a Senior Director, Commercial Accounting to build and lead the Company’s commercial accounting infrastructure. This role will own all aspects of revenue recognition, gross-to-net accounting, inventory and cost of goods accounting, distribution channel accounting, and related SOX controls. The role will partner cross-functionally with Commercial Operations, Market Access, Supply Chain, FP&A, IT, and external vendors. This is a hands-on builder role suited for an experienced biotech leader who has successfully supported a first product launch and designed scalable commercial accounting processes in a lean environment.
Responsibilities:
Revenue Recognition & Gross-to-Net (GTN)
· Own revenue recognition under ASC 606
· Design and implement gross-to-net reserve methodology, including: Commercial and government rebates, Chargebacks, Copay assistance programs, Distribution service fees, Returns and other variable consideration
· Develop monthly close processes for revenue and GTN
· Establish data flows with 3PLs, specialty distributors, and specialty pharmacies
· Partner with FP&A to ensure alignment between forecast assumptions and accounting estimates
Distribution & Channel Accounting
· Oversee accounting for inventory in the channel
· Implement chargeback validation and reconciliation processes
· Establish returns reserve modeling and controls
· Ensure compliance with distribution and service agreements
Inventory & Cost of Goods
· Oversee cost accounting related to externally manufactured product (CMO model)
· Supervise accounting for inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods)
· Ensure appropriate capitalization, standard costing, and variance analysis
· Lead inventory controls in coordination with Supply Chain and 3PL partners
Government Pricing Interface
· Partner with external government pricing vendors
· Ensure accounting implications of Medicaid, 340B, and Medicare Part D programs are appropriately reflected in reserves
· Monitor true-ups and estimate refinements
Systems & Controls
· Lead design and implementation of commercial accounting processes within ERP
· Establish SOX-compliant internal controls prior to launch
· Serve as primary commercial accounting contact for external auditors
· Ensure readiness for first commercial audit cycle
Team Leadership
· Directly manage one direct report (to be hired) responsible for inventory and cost accounting
· Leverage cross-functional resources
· Build scalable infrastructure to support future pipeline expansion
Qualifications:
· Must be able to work in Waltham office two days a week
·.12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant biotech/pharma commercial exposure required
· Demonstrated experience supporting at least one successful first product launch
· Deep expertise in gross-to-net accounting and revenue recognition
· Experience designing commercial accounting processes in a lean or growth-stage environment
· Strong knowledge of distribution models (specialty pharmacy, specialty distributor, 3PL)
· Experience interfacing with external auditors in a public company environment
· CPA preferred
Salary Range:
$250,000 - $270,000 USD
Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.
Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent’s discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.
Our Offer To You
At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to have a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.