Westlake is hiring: Supervisor-Accounting in Houston

Summary

Plant Controlling Supervisory Accountant is responsible for all plant accounting functions with a strong emphasis on inventory control 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 plant’s financial objectives are understood by the operations staff. The supervisor 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.

Accounting Duties and Responsibilities

• Account for one or more manufacturing plants, including complete ownership of the P&L, Manufacturing Statement and Balance Sheet accounts.
• Coordinate and support activities across locations and departments.
• Manage multiple deadlines and respond quickly to management requests.
• Execute month‑end, quarter‑end, and annual close duties, including accruals and financial reviews to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Prepare and post journal entries and reconcile accounts.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls; maintain general and supporting sub‑ledgers and prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations.
• Analyze variances with balance sheet accounts and income/expense reports (manufacturing statements) to identify issues, report on unusual spending and drive corrective action. Prepare monthly variance analysis and management reports.
• Analyze Inventory Change P&L Accounts; identify, explain and report on manufacturing variances from standards.
• Prepare and distribute daily, monthly and quarterly reports including variance analysis packages.
• Prepare monthly forecasts and assist in annual operating expense and capital budgets.
• Assist with capital expenditure approvals (AFE), including development of payback financial calculations and review of AFE compliance.
• Ensure accuracy of fixed assets; assist with periodic verification (count) and disposal or transfer accounting.
• Ensure accuracy of inventory; assist with periodic inventory verification, revaluation procedures, obsolete reserves and investigation of variances.
• Ensure goods receipts are properly accrued and matched with vendor invoices; clear outstanding items promptly.
• Process AP/AR intercompany transactions between companies and balance monthly with counterparts.
• Act as key financial accountant for assigned plant, providing overall control of the balance sheet and P&L.
• Assist plant management with cost savings/profit improvement programs and verify financial information.
• Process credit memos and return goods authorizations (RGA) for assigned plant.
• Share best practices, serve as backup when individuals are absent.
• Research and apply technical US GAAP requirements; lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate internal and external audit needs.
• Perform additional ad‑hoc analysis and reporting as requested; other duties as assigned by Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversight and supervision of one or more accountants.
• Assist staff with preparation of monthly and quarterly accounting reports.
• Maintain system of internal controls over accounting team tasks.
• Assist with recruiting accounting staff and conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide training and onboarding for new hires and identify training opportunities.
• Collaborate with management team and others to achieve division objectives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cost accounting principles, financial statement preparation and analysis.
• Analytical skills to review/analyze accounting and financial data, substantiate balances and prepare reconciliations.
• Consistent ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively at all organizational levels and across functional areas.
• Skill at identifying, measuring, evaluating and improving accounting, managerial, financial and operational controls.
• Thorough attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent problem‑resolution and decision‑making skills.
• Strong planning, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple concurrent assignments.
• Professionalism under pressure.
• Independent and team‑oriented work approach.
• Demonstrated leadership in a cross‑functional management team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Knowledge of SAP and BPC accounting systems preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with three plus years of progressive accounting experience in public accounting or five years in industry required.
• CPA, CMA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Cost accounting experience is a plus.
• Manufacturing experience working with A/P, General Accounting, Payroll, Inventories, Fixed Assets, Cash Accounting, Financial Analysis & Reporting and multi‑plant budgeting is also preferred.

Physical Demands

Employee is regularly required to sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Occasional standing, talking or hearing is required. Employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Flexibility in hours to meet deadlines. Work is usually in an office with moderate noise level. Some work may be required in operating units requiring PPE such as safety glasses and hearing protection. May involve exposure to outside elements and use of stairs and elevators. Travel up to 10% including air travel or auto travel.