Sr. Cost Accountant
Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Join Panasonic Energy as a Cost Accountant III in De Soto, KS, as we build the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. You’ll support GAAP reporting, cost tracking in SAP, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize financial processes.
The role offers growth in a manufacturing environment with strong emphasis on internal controls, accuracy, and teamwork across domestic and international teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPAs preferred.
- 4+ years of progressive accounting experience.
- Experience with SAP and cost accounting processes.
- Strong GAAP knowledge and financial reporting skills.
Responsibilities
- Prepare month-end journal entries and close processes.
- Reconcile GL and balance sheet accounts.
- Track costs by center and project in SAP.
- Analyze and report financial data for management.
- Collaborate with procurement, IT, and auditors.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Cost Accountant III? Then we're looking for you! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world‑class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the PECNA team today!
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Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state‑of‑the‑art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
The AccountantIII performs a broad range of accounting activities in support of accurate, timely financial reporting and compliance with GAAP. This role is responsible for processing and reviewing accounting transactions, posting journal entries and accruals to ensure proper period reporting, and reconciling balance sheet accounts to identify risks. The AccountantIII administers cost center and project cost tracking within SAP and provides analysis and reporting of accounting data. In addition, this role supports the design, administration, and compliance of accounting processes and internal controls. The AccountantIII works cross‑functionally with business partners, ERP/IT teams, auditors, and procurement to resolve discrepancies and improve accounting processes.
- Prepare and post accounting journal entries for month‑end close
- Review and reconcile general ledger accounts to identify and correct improper charges
- Process accruals to ensure expenses are reported in the appropriate period
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts and identify financial risks
- Reconcile and report intercompany balances
- Ensure expenses are charged to the proper department and prepare reclassification entries as needed
- Administer and manage cost centers and project cost tracking within SAP, including SAP Project Systems
- Ensure SAP ERP data integrity and proper system documentation
- Prepare accounting schedules, reports, and analysis as required
- Administer, design, and ensure compliance with accounting processes
- Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of accounting processes
- Work with ERP IT and business partners to optimize business and system processes
- Crosstrain to serve as backup support for other finance team members
- Provide guidance and support to team members as needed
- Create reports and respond to inquiries from business partners
- Collaborate with Indirect Procurement, Receiving, Corporate Accounts Payable, vendors, and customers to troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders across departments and functions
- Work with domestic and international teams to support accounting activities
- Ensure all financial postings comply with laws, regulations, and GAAP
- Support Internal Audit efforts to maintain strong internal controls
- Assist with preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation
- Respond to auditor inquiries and provide requested information
- Comply with safety requirements, including use of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when applicable
- To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees, wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field
- Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education
- CPA license or active progress toward CPA certification
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
- Formal training or certification related to ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- 4+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP and general accounting principles
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical‑thinking skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non‑financial partners
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and documentation skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and handle confidential information responsiblyDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions, including domestic and international teams
- Must have working‑level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, & speaking English
- Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
- 6+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Experience supporting complex cost structures, projects, and intercompany activity
- Hands‑on experience with SAP, Oracle, or another fully integrated ERP system
- Demonstrated initiative, resilience, and ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment
- Proven ability to build strong relationships and partner effectively at multiple organizational levels
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 70%
- Walk: 15%
- Stand: 15%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)
- Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
- Up to 20 lbs.: Rare
- Up to 35 lbs.: Rare
- Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare
- Health Benefits – Offering 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. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
- 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.
For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.
Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high‑quality lithium‑ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.
Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium‑ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium‑ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience.
Pre‑employment drug testing is required.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
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