Cost Accountant I
US-NV-Sparks
US Careers (External)
Req #: 44050
Type: Full-Time
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Overview: Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Cost Accountant I? Then we're looking for you! Check out the job description and apply now! 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 Panasonic Energy team today! Responsibilities: Shift: Day Shift Department: Finance Job Summary: We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cost Accountant I to join our Finance team. This entry-level position plays a foundational role in executing core cost accounting activities that support accurate inventory valuation, cost control, and manufacturing cost transparency. Reporting to the Accounting Supervisor and supporting the Cost Accountant II, the Cost Accountant I works cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Production, Accounts Payable, and Procurement teams to ensure transactional integrity, standard costing accuracy, and alignment between operational activities and financial results. This is an excellent opportunity for a developing accounting professional to build strong technical skills, gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment, and contribute to the financial health of a thriving corporate business. Inventory and Cost Accounting Support * Record and review inventory movements including material issues, returns, transfers, and adjustments in SAP or other ERP systems. * Support monthly inventory valuation processes, ensuring raw materials, spare parts, WIP, and finished goods are accurately captured in the books. * Assist in reconciling inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger and follow up on discrepancies. * Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for inventory and cost accounts. Standard Cost Maintenance * Support the maintenance and validation of standard costs in SAP, including updates based on BOMs and routings with guidance from senior accountants. * Assist with gathering cost input data from production and procurement to ensure accuracy and alignment with operational activities. * Support validation of routings and BOM accuracy by comparing expected vs. actual production metrics. * Assist with monthly reconciliations of vendor statements vs. PECNA raw material payables. Expense Tracking and OPEX Analysis * Support the review and analysis of production-related OPEX (COGS) e.g., consumables, indirect labor, maintenance) and help identify and resolve irregularities. * Work with Procurement and Production teams to ensure cost center allocations are accurate and well-documented. * Assist in the analysis of variances in indirect costs and utilities. Month-End and Reporting Support * Prepare journal entries related to inventory movements, standard cost adjustments, PPV Adjustments, and accruals under the review of the Cost Accountant II. * Assist in the preparation of month-end reports, such as inventory roll forwards, inventory valuation, cost trend reports, and variance analyses. * Contribute to the monthly cost close process by tracking key deadlines and following up with relevant departments on month-end information needs. Cycle Counts and Inventory Control * Participate in physical inventory counts and cycle count programs by gathering supporting data, reconciling results, and identifying potential control gaps. * Track obsolete or slow-moving inventory items and support the preparation of provisioning schedules. * Partners with Supply Chain and Warehouse teams to ensure proper recording and control of inventory movements through SAP, MES, and Asset Management systems. Business Partnering and Cross-Functional Support * Communicate with Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Production teams to investigate cost and inventory discrepancies. * Assist in documenting business process flows for costing and inventory transactions. * Support internal controls and compliance efforts by following SOPs and contributing to audit-ready documentation. Other General Responsibilities * Support the Accounting Supervisor and Cost Accountant II in ad hoc projects related to cost optimization, system improvements, or policy documentation. * Continuously seek opportunities to improve accuracy, automation, and efficiency in cost accounting processes. * Maintain proper documentation of journal entries, inventory adjustments, and reconciliations. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements: * 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. Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred Education: * Required: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. * Preferred: Progress toward CPA or other accounting certification. Essential Qualifications: * Minimum of 1 - 2+ years of of relevant general accounting or cost analysis experience (entry-level role in manufacturing or inventory-related finance preferred). * Good knowledge of fundamental accounting principles and procedures. * Developing understanding of cost accounting and inventory valuation concepts. * Confident in using Microsoft Office with strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, and basic formulas). * Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and problem solving. * Effective and clear communicator. * Detailed oriented, highly analytical and ability to meet deadlines. * Eagerness to learn, take initiative, and contribute to process improvement. * Ability to reconcile general ledgers with sub-ledgers or other transactional information. Preferred Qualifications: * Cost Accounting experience is preferred but not essential. * Exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and manufacturing operations is a plus. * Understanding and experience with month-end, and year-end accounting processes. * Working understanding of standard costing vs actual costing is highly valued. * Experience and understanding of Inventory management best practices, is advantageous. * Highly organized and ability to balance multiple competing priorities. * Ability to work with domestic and international teams. * Resilient, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure. * 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). Physical Demands: Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to) * Sit: 40% * Walk: 30% * Stand: 20% * Lift: 10% Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%) * Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional * Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional * Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional * Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You: Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health: * Highly inclusive a