Cost Accounting Specialist

Yazaki•Canton, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Yazaki is seeking a Cost Accounting Specialist for its TPNO team, based in Canton, Michigan, or La Vergne, Tennessee. The role performs project financial analysis aligned with Global Project Management processes and rules, with an emphasis on manufacturing cost performance, operational efficiency, and plant execution. The specialist sets targets for divisions and departments, coordinates roadmap implementation with stakeholders, and tracks outcomes for program review meetings. The position also supports Business Unit profitability improvement through manufacturing cost analysis, process optimization, data-driven insights, continuous improvement, innovation, and digitalization of tools and processes. The specialist works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, and Purchasing to coordinate and implement plant-focused profitability actions. The role includes analyzing material cost variances, supporting RFQ profitability assessments, monitoring costs throughout program development and after start of production, and supporting cost-reduction and savings initiatives during mass production. It also involves developing Power BI dashboards, automated reports, and financial tools; standardizing and improving processes; supporting cost planning specialists with analysis and business materials; and conducting special projects, ad hoc analyses, management requests, and scenario modeling.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field.
Broad understanding of business principles, with strong exposure to purchasing operations, supplier management, material cost drivers, and procurement processes.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of experience in the automotive or manufacturing industry, preferably in a global environment.

Responsibilities

Analyze and track material cost variances, identify cost drivers, and support actions to improve program profitability.
Collaborate with Purchasing and cross-functional teams to resolve material cost issues.
Support RFQ profitability analysis by validating material cost assumptions, supplier quotes, and sourcing strategies, and identify risks and opportunities related to target profitability.
Monitor material cost changes during program development, track open actions, and follow up with Purchasing, Program Management, Sales, and Engineering to maintain financial targets.
Compare planned and actual material costs after start of production, investigate variances, support corrective actions, and identify cost-recovery and profitability-improvement opportunities.
Monitor material cost trends and financial KPIs during mass production, support cost-reduction activities, and track savings initiatives.
Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards, automated reports, and financial tools.
Support standardization and process improvements to increase efficiency and visibility.
Coordinate and follow up with Purchasing, Sales, Program Management, Engineering, and Manufacturing on cost-related topics.
Support Cost Planning Specialists with financial analysis, reporting, presentations, and business cases.
Provide support to Manufacturing Cost Planning Specialists when required.
Support special projects, ad hoc analyses, management requests, and scenario modeling.
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that support business performance and profitability.