Cost Accountant III

Overview

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!

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.

The Accountant III 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 Accountant III administers cost center and project cost tracking within SAP and provides analysis and reporting of accounting data.

The Accountant III supports the design, administration, and compliance of accounting processes and internal controls and 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

• Cross‑train 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

• Full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit with respirator may be required

Education, Certifications, and Licenses – Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education

Education, Certifications, and Licenses – Preferred

• 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)

Essential Qualifications

• 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…