SUMMARY
This role is a key member of the North America Finance team, responsible for the execution and analysis of product costing and Material Ledger activities across the Compounds business. The Principal Analyst partners closely with operations and plant leadership to provide insights into manufacturing performance, cost drivers, and inventory, while supporting accounting teams to ensure accurate financial results, strong internal controls, and consistency across the region in inventory and other key accounting areas. This position bridges operations, FP&A, and accounting, combining hands-on costing execution with financial analysis and operational support within the North America scope.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Costing & Material Ledger
Execute and maintain product costing and Material Ledger processes, ensuring accuracy and completeness
Analyze cost components, material consumption, and production variances
Support and validate standard costs, BOMs, and cost allocations
Identify and resolve inconsistencies in costing and inventory data
Financial Planning & Performance
Analyze results versus plan/forecast, identifying key drivers and risks
Lead process improvements surrounding financial analysis of inventory, costing and other key accounting areas
Financial Close & Reporting
Prepare and post journal entries related to inventory, costing, manufacturing activity and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.)
Perform account reconciliations for inventory, cost-related accounts and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.)
Deliver monthly variance analysis and reporting, with clear explanations of business drivers
Support financial reporting aligned with operational activity
Calculate and analyze needed inventory reserves to ensure appropriate valuation of inventory
Controls & Compliance
Ensure adherence to SOX controls, internal policies, and standard processes
Support audit requests and documentation, ensuring accuracy and transparency
Partner with accounting leadership to maintain strong financial discipline and data integrity
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
7+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or FP&A
Strong experience with product costing, inventory, and variance analysis
Experience working in a manufacturing environment
CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred
Experience with SAP S/4 and Material Ledger preferred
Experience in a multi-site environment preferred
Familiarity with BPC, JDE, or similar systems preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.
If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.
