Sr. Financial Analyst- Japanese/English speaking is required

Join the PECNA team and put your skills to meaningful use while gaining unique experience alongside world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. At Panasonic Energy, we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas, offering an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. Help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation at our state-of-the-art facility just outside the Kansas City Metro.

About the role

The Sr. Financial Analyst supports financial planning, analysis, and reporting for the Mobility Energy Business Division (MEBD), working closely with U.S. operations and Japan headquarters. This role leads budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, and management reporting, with a strong focus on manufacturing cost analysis, capital investments, and operational performance. The Analyst partners with accounting and operations teams to bridge actual results with business plans, supports monthly close and IFRS-based accounting considerations, and provides clear, bilingual (English and Japanese) financial insights to senior leadership and global executives. Must have business-level proficiency in English and native-level fluency in Japanese.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and consolidation of annual budgets (AOP), quarterly/monthly forecasts, and mid-term business plans.
• Develop and manage key financial metrics including profitability, cost structure, cash flow, ROIC, and CapEx performance.
• Perform variance analysis versus plan/forecast and provide clear explanations to management.
• Prepare financial presentations and materials for management reviews and executive meetings.
• Analyze manufacturing cost structures (materials, labor, overhead) and production economics.
• Support financial analysis for plant ramp-up phases, capacity changes, and productivity initiatives.
• Evaluate financial impacts of changes in production volume, start-up timing, or operating assumptions.
• Conduct return and sensitivity analyses for major capital investments.
• Work closely with the local accounting team to support monthly close activities.
• Understand key accounting treatments under IFRS (inventory valuation, fixed assets, revenue recognition, provisions, etc.).
• Bridge actual accounting results with forecasts, budgets, and business plans.
• Identify and explain accounting-driven impacts on financial performance and outlook.
• Participate in discussions with accountants regarding accounting processes for U.S. transactions, including establishing operational workflows (e.g., IRA grants, state subsidies, tax-related issues).
• Participate in various projects in the U.S. and provide support from an accounting and finance perspective by coordinating with internal teams and external parties.
• Develop a fixed asset management process from overseas import through capitalization and physical asset verification.
• Serve as a primary financial point of contact between U.S. operations and Japan HQ.
• Prepare and deliver financial reports and explanations to Japanese stakeholders (in English and Japanese as applicable).
• Translate HQ requests and financial expectations into actionable local analysis.
• Develop monthly and quarterly management reporting packages including forecast, closing, and business planning for senior leadership.
• Proactively review and ensure accuracy of such reporting packages and present them to global executives.
• Other responsibilities as assigned, including translating, organizing documents, and processing invoices.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required, including a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a full hazmat suit with respirator.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience as a FP&A, management accounting, or business finance in a manufacturing company in the U.S. or Japan.
• Business-level proficiency in English and native-level fluency in Japanese, with strong reading, writing, and speaking skills in both languages.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel spreadsheets and database functions, as well as Word and PowerPoint.
• Proven record of FP&A and Financial Reporting experience.
• Knowledge of SAP, Oracle, or another fully integrated ERP system.
• Ability to work with all levels of leadership, including executives.
• Strong customer service skills, including excellent verbal, written, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret and understand procedures and governmental regulations.
• Capable of handling confidential information responsibly.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from internal customers in a timely manner.
• Flexibility and multi-tasking capabilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to follow systematic methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse teams, including those overseas in Japan.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification(s) as a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (USCPA) and/or Nissho Bookkeeping Level 2.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when requested.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate well at all levels of the organization.
• Able to influence change without direct authority.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, handle multiple competing assignments, and manage deadlines effectively.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and able to work well under pressure.
• 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.

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.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP): 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.

Location

This is an onsite role at Panasonic Energy’s facility in De Soto, Kansas, just outside the Kansas City Metro. We prioritize creating a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere where your onsite presence is valued.

About Us

At Panasonic Energy, we are dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy. As the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, we produce safe, high-quality batteries that power technologies driving the future. Our journey began in 2017, and we are now expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas. Here, you’ll experience career growth while pushing the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology to enhance efficiency and performance in electric vehicles. Join us and contribute to a positive societal impact through sustainable energy solutions. We offer competitive salaries and benefits in an innovative environment that values your work and encourages innovation.

Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace as an equal opportunity employer. We embrace professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences that contribute to your career journey.