Cost Accountant III (Sr Cost Accountant)

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!

About Us

Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) is collaborating with Tesla at a massive battery factory near Reno, Nevada. Panasonic's role at the Gigafactory is to manufacture and supply cylindrical lithium-ion cells to Tesla for their electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Our mission is to make affordable Electric Vehicles a reality by producing the world’s safest, high-quality, and lowest-cost batteries, accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for Operations managers on production cost accounting and cost center expense analysis, in collaboration with the FP&A team.
• Establish and maintain accurate product costing in SAP S4/Hana, verifying master data and calculation methods.
• Calculate, investigate, and follow up on production, operational, and purchasing variances (Inventory, Absorption, PPV, etc.), directing improvement opportunities to the business.
• Perform raw material standard vs. actual variance analysis and cost development reviews.
• Demonstrate knowledge of fixed asset acquisition, capitalization, and life cycle activities.
• Provide technical and practical support for monthly financial close, production-related settlements, cycle counts, and inventory audits.
• Perform GL account reconciliations to ensure accurate financial postings.
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of manufacturing and supply chain reports.
• Review vendor invoices for raw material purchases and follow up on discrepancies.
• Support cost accounting efforts for maintaining JSOX internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audit inquiries and samples.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of accounting policies and procedures.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, driving solutions and process improvements.
• Apply advanced understanding of supply chain workflows, manufacturing processes, and maintenance order activities as they relate to the general ledger.
• Complete work efficiently and accurately, ensuring timeliness of deliverables.
• Provide various administrative and practical support as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• 4-6 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and procedures (GAAP, IFRS).
• Proficiency in SAP cost accounting, preferably SAP S4/Hana.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and database functions.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and able to perform under pressure.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP S4/Hana.
• Background in multi-application IT environments, including electronic interfaces.
• Experience with warehouse, stock management, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience working with domestic and international teams.
• Certifications: CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or MBA (Master of Business Administration).

Physical Demands

Physical Activities (percentage of time during the normal workday):

• Sit: 40%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 20 lbs.: Not Required
• Up to 35 lbs.: Not Required
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required, including a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with a respirator. A respirator fit test may be required based on functional area.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits: Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Retirement Savings & Investment Plan: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits: Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance: Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs: Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date.
• Employee Recognition Program: High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.
• Annual Bonus Program: Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits, and employee events.