Cost Accountant II

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

25d • Onsite

About The Position

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.
Job Summary:
The Cost Accountant II provides cost accounting, operational reporting, and business analysis support within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role supports product costing, manufacturing cost analysis, fixed assets life cycle tracking, inventory reporting and controls, and financial accounting for production and related activities. The position plays a key role in financial closing processes, inventory control, and variance analysis, partnering closely with Operations and FP&A teams to provide insights that drive efficiency and cost improvements. By leveraging proficiency in SAP and cost accounting principles, the Cost Accountant II supports compliance, internal controls, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education.
• 2+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment relevant to this role
• Strong knowledge of GAAP/IFRS and cost accounting principles
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of database functions
• Ability to partner effectively with manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform independently with minimal supervision
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and 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)

Nice To Haves

• 4+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with SAP S/4HANA
• Experience working in multi-application IT environments, including electronic interfaces
• Experience with warehouse and stock management in addition to manufacturing operations

Responsibilities

• 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 support cost development reviews
• Maintain accurate product costing in SAP S/4HANA, verifying master data and calculation methods
• Prepare and record journal entries related to cost accounting and other topics in support of the overall financial close process
• Perform GL account reconciliations to ensure accurate financial postings
• Support fixed asset accounting, including acquisition, capitalization, and lifecycle activities
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of manufacturing and supply chain reports
• Review vendor invoices for raw material purchases and follow up on discrepancies
• Identify and communicate cost improvement opportunities through variance analysis and operational review
• Contribute to process improvements within cost accounting and related supply chain workflows
• Support efforts to improve inventory accuracy and costing methodologies
• Provide technical and practical support for cycle counts and inventory audits
• Provide administrative and analytical support as needed
• Serve as a financial contact for Operations managers for production cost accounting and cost center expense analysis, in collaboration with the FP&A team
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, driving solutions and process improvements
• Apply practical understanding of supply chain workflows, manufacturing processes, and maintenance order activities as they relate to the general ledger
• Assist with internal and external audit inquiries and sample requests
• Support cost accounting efforts in maintaining JSOX internal controls
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of accounting policies and procedures
• Complete work efficiently and accurately, ensuring timeliness of deliverables

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level