Westlake Chemical Corporation

Senior Accountant

Westlake Chemical Corporation$124K — $152K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
  • 4 to 5 years of progressive accounting experience
  • CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree preferred
  • Cost accounting experience is a plus
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment with A/P, General Accounting, Payroll, and Inventory
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel; knowledge of SAP and BPC preferred

Responsibilities

  • Manage all accounting functions for a manufacturing plant, owning the P&L and Balance Sheet
  • Coordinate communication between plant staff and corporate objectives and compliance guidelines
  • Execute month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close duties
  • Analyze monthly variances and prepare reporting packages for management
  • Prepare forecasts and budgets, presenting findings to management
  • Maintain accuracy of inventory and perform month-end inventory revaluation procedures
  • Facilitate internal and external audit needs and perform additional ad-hoc analysis as required

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and cross-training
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on continuous improvement
  • Involvement in high-level financial reporting and variance analysis
  • Engagement with multiple functional areas across the organization
  • Potential for leadership development within a cross-functional management team
Full Job Description

SUMMARY

The Sr. Accountant is responsible for all plant accounting functions as well as variance analysis. The position interfaces daily with the Operations Manager(s) and production staff to support continuous improvement and execute business strategy. He/she will ensure that accounting controls are maintained and that the plants’ financial objectives are understood by the operations staff.  The Plant Controller also interacts with Corporate Headquarters functions including Accounting, Supply Chain & Logistics and IT personnel.  Applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports by performing the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Responsible for the accounting of a specific manufacturing plant including complete ownership of the P&L, Manufacturing Statement and Balance Sheet accounts.
  • Operate as the key financial accountant for assigned plant, providing overall control of the balance sheet and P&L for assigned plant.  Coordinate and communicate with plant staff regarding corporate objectives, guidelines, procedures and policies and ensure compliance with same. Coordinate and support activities across multiple locations and departments.
  • Manage multiple deadlines and respond quickly to management, plant, and other departmental requests.
  • Execute month-end, quarter-end, and annual close duties, including accruals and reviewing financial information to ensure the financials are accurately and timely reported. Prepare and post journal entries. Maintain proper documentation for required approvals.
  • Ensure adherence to and effectiveness of internal control in own area of responsibility.
  • Maintain general and supporting sub-ledgers and prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations, for assigned locations and accounts.
  • On a monthly basis, analyze variances both pre- and post- close. Understand root cause and drive for corrective action.  Preparation of monthly variance analysis and reporting packages for various Management team versus budget, prior year, and forecast analysis. Additional period analysis may be required.
  • On a monthly basis, analyze the Inventory Change P&L Accounts. Identify, explain, and report on manufacturing variances from standards.
  • Prepare and distribute daily, monthly, and quarterly reports, including the monthly reporting packages including variance analysis.
  • Preparation of monthly forecasts and annual operating expense and capital budgets. Presentations of forecast and budget to Management are required.
  • Prepare AFE, including development of payback financial calculations.  Review AFE's for compliance, financial integrity, and accuracy, as well as supervise the tracking of the AFE through the approval process.
  • Forecasting of Capital spending is required monthly. Subsequent AFE closures and writeoffs are to be created and submitted in a timely manner.
  • Ensure accuracy of fixed assets.  Assist with the periodic verification (count) of fixed assets, ensuring that counts are properly executed and adjustments timely posted.  Monitor and process fixed asset disposals and transfers to ensure the accounting is correct.
  • Ensure accuracy of inventory.  Assist with the periodic inventory verification process, ensuring that counts are being properly performed within corporate guidelines and that adjustments are timely posted. 
  • Perform month-end inventory revaluation procedures, establish slow moving/obsolete reserves, and handle overall costing of inventory.  Ensure bills of materials and inventory costs are accurate.  Investigate month-end count variances and help with root-cause corrective actions.  Support monthly inventory reporting. 
  • Ensure goods receipts are properly accrued and matched with vendor invoices, so that outstanding items are cleared timely (GRIR process).  Ensure vendor invoices are properly processed by plant and purchasing personnel by coordinating and leading resolution efforts.
  • Process lease recognition requirements monthly.
  • Process AP/AR intercompany transactions between companies and balance monthly with counterparts.
  • Assist plant management with the cost savings/profit improvement programs.  Establish the savings tracking models.  Verify financial information on the cost savings/profit improvement plans to ensure accuracy.
  • Share best practices with other team members.  Occasionally, serving as a back-up when individuals are on vacation or absent. Cross train others as needed. Attend regular group trainings.
  • Research and application of technical US GAAP requirements.  Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Facilitate internal and external audit needs.
  • Perform additional ad-hoc analysis and reporting, as requested.  Other duties and analysis as assigned by Manager.

Salary Range

$124,000-$152,000  (inclusive of bonus opportunities)

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
  • 4 to 5 plus years of progressive accounting experience.
  • CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree preferred.
  • Cost accounting experience is a plus.
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment working with A/P, General Accounting, Payroll, Inventories, Fixed Assets, Cash Accounting, Financial Analysis & Reporting and Multi-plant and budgeting is also preferred
  • Knowledge of cost accounting principles, financial statement preparation and analysis is required.  Skills necessary analytically to review/analyze accounting and financial data, substantiate financial statement balances as well as prepare financial statement account reconciliation.
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Exhibits clear and concise written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work and communicate effectively at all organizational levels and across functional areas.
  • Skill at identifying, measuring, evaluating and improving, if needed, the effectiveness of accounting, managerial, financial and operational controls.
  • Thorough attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent problems resolution and decision-making skills.
  • Sound planning and organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments.
  • Maintains professionalism and reacts well under pressure.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership as part of a cross-functional management team.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel.
  • Knowledge of SAP and BPC accounting 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.  The employee occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. 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.  10% travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

About Westlake Chemical Corporation

Westlake Chemical is an international manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals and fabricated products that enhance the daily lives of people around the planet. The tires we ride on, the plastic wrap that keeps our meats and produce fresh, the pipes that are essential to ensuring clean water, the frames that secure our windows and doors, Westlake plays a vital role in supplying the building blocks for these products and many more.

Westlake Chemical Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Westlake Chemical Corporation, a premier global chemical company that stands at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the industry. As a leader in sustainable chemical solutions, there has never been a better time to explore career opportunities with us.

Work You’ll Do

At Westlake Chemical Corporation, you will be part of a culture that thrives on growth, innovation, and leadership. Our team is committed to transforming the chemical industry through high-performance products and sustainable practices. Engage in a career where you can lead projects that not only enhance our company’s performance but also contribute positively to the environment.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Become a part of a team that is revered for its innovation, diversity, and expertise in the chemical sector. Westlake Chemical offers a variety of job opportunities and employment paths, including full-time positions and internships, which allow you to develop your skills and advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Innovative Work

Our professionals at Westlake Chemical are encouraged to drive change and deliver solutions that make a real impact. From your first day, you’ll collaborate with a global team of experts dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Career Development and Benefits

Westlake Chemical is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. We offer unmatched training, development programs, and leadership courses to ensure you have the tools needed to succeed. Our benefits package is designed to support the diverse needs of our workforce, including health, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Westlake Chemical Corporation offers a range of career paths in areas such as research, operations, marketing, and management. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, aiming to match your skills and interests with the right opportunities within our company.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Westlake Chemical’s internship programs. Gain hands-on experience, valuable insights, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to our mission of innovation and quality.

Networking and Professional Growth

At Westlake Chemical, we believe in fostering a network of professionals who are eager to push boundaries and think outside the box. Our collaborative environment encourages networking and idea-sharing, which are key to personal and professional development.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that align with your career ambitions. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference.

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Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is respected, contributions are valued, and opportunities are equal.

Explore Careers at Westlake Chemical Corporation

Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities awaiting you at Westlake Chemical. See how far your ambition can take you within a company that prides itself on its commitment to innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth.

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Learn more about Westlake Chemical Corporation
Size
14,550 employees
Market Cap
$13.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$330 million
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+18.3%
Revenue
$7.5 billion
NASDAQ

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