Specialist, Cost Accounting

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development, and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer globally, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 84-year history. Today, we're looking for energetic people with the potential to perform and the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, La Vergne, TN, USA, or Monterrey, MX

What we are looking for:

Yazaki is looking for Cost Accountant Specialist to join our TPNO team. This position could be located in either Canton, MI, La Vergne, TN, or Monterrey, MX.    

The Cost Accountant is responsible for providing financial analysis and cost management support throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with Global Project Management processes and financial objectives. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Sales to evaluate program profitability, monitor cost performance, and identify opportunities to improve operational and financial results. 

The position plays a key role in driving profitability through manufacturing cost analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking. By leveraging data-driven insights, standardized processes, and continuous improvement initiatives, the Cost Accountant supports informed business decisions and enhances overall financial and operational efficiency. 

This role is also responsible for developing cost models, analyzing variances, tracking profitability improvement initiatives, and supporting strategic decision-making through scenario analysis and financial forecasting. 

What you will be doing:

Manufacturing Cost Analysis 

• Analyze and monitor manufacturing costs, including direct labor, overhead, material consumption, and operational efficiency drivers. 

• Evaluate cost performance across production processes and identify opportunities to improve profitability and cost control. 

• Assess capacity utilization, productivity, and operational performance to determine impacts on program financial results. 

• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing costing methodologies, models, and tools. 

• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations teams to identify cost reduction opportunities and improve financial performance. 

Program Quoting & Cost Analysis (RFQ Support) 

• Develop cost models, profitability analyses, and business case evaluations for new business opportunities and customer quotations. 

• Establish target costs based on manufacturing capabilities, process assumptions, and operational constraints. 

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and other cross-functional teams to validate cost assumptions and financial targets. 

• Identify cost gaps and develop action plans to achieve target profitability objectives. 

• Conduct financial risk assessments related to production ramp-up, labor efficiency, process performance, and cost variability. 

• Support continuous improvement of quoting processes through standardization, automation, and data-driven benchmarking. 

Program Development Financial Support 

• Update financial projections and program profitability analyses based on engineering changes, process design modifications, and manufacturing strategy updates. 

• Monitor implementation of cost reduction and profitability improvement initiatives throughout program development. 

• Track financial risks associated with manufacturing readiness, production efficiency, and operational performance. 

• Develop and maintain reporting tools and dashboards that provide visibility into program cost performance and financial trends. 

• Partner with project teams to ensure financial objectives remain aligned with program milestones and operational requirements. 

Production Cost & Performance Analysis 

• Analyze actual versus planned financial and operational results, including labor efficiency, scrap, utilization, and manufacturing performance metrics. 

• Investigate cost variances, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to improve financial outcomes. 

• Validate the effectiveness of operational improvement initiatives and cost reduction activities. 

• Capture lessons learned and best practices to strengthen future cost models, assumptions, and manufacturing strategies. 

• Support ongoing efforts to improve plant performance, cost control, and profitability. 

Profitability Improvement & Financial Performance Management 

• Monitor key financial and operational metrics, including Gross Margin, Direct Profit, EBIT, labor productivity, and manufacturing efficiency. 

• Evaluate the financial impact of process improvements, automation initiatives, and productivity enhancements. 

• Track profitability improvement actions and ensure timely completion through structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies. 

• Leverage data analytics, reporting tools, and business intelligence platforms to identify trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities. 

• Provide recommendations to management to support profitability improvement and strategic decision-making. 

Financial Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement 

• Lead initiatives to enhance financial processes, improve reporting accuracy, and reduce manual activities through automation and standardization. 

• Develop and maintain dashboards, financial models, and performance reporting tools to support business decision-making. 

• Promote consistency in cost analysis, reporting methodologies, and financial practices across programs and manufacturing locations. 

• Support implementation of innovative technologies, system enhancements, and data integration initiatives to improve scalability and efficiency. 

• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on strengthening financial visibility, operational insights, and decision support capabilities. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Support special projects, analyses, and other duties as assigned. 

• Develop scenario analyses and financial models evaluating variables such as production volume, labor efficiency, automation investments, manufacturing footprint, and capacity utilization. 

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and long-term business objectives. 

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or closely related field   
• Broad and solid understanding of business principles with strong exposure to manufacturing operations, cost drivers, and plant performance.   
• Preferred: Minimum of 2 years of experience in Automotive or Manufacturing industry, preferably in a global environment.
• Exposure to plant operations, production planning, or industrial engineering concepts, with ability to connect financial results to manufacturing performance.   
• Proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Office Suite
• Travel requirements: Local, regional, national, and international 
• Spanish preferred 

What we can provide you:

• A safe collaborative learning work environment that stimulates creativity and exploration 

• Diverse teams of experts 

• Resources from around the globe 

• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work 

• Opportunities for professional growth 

• Competitive compensation and benefits package including incentive compensation, 401K match, tuition assistance and a generous holiday schedule 

• Flexible hybrid schedule  

Yazaki North America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, veteran status, or other legally protected status or characteristic. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship. Yazaki North America complies with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment.