Principal - Accounting Analyst (Cost Accounting / Analysis)

Westlake•Houston, TX

About The Position

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate. SUMMARY Prepare and perform detailed accounting for several manufacturing locations. Also supports multiple sites with production and cost structure, various costing reports and manufacturing cost analyses to ensure consistency between sites and for appropriate benchmarking. The position interfaces daily with Production staff as well as Manufacturing and Accounting leadership to support cost structure, continuous improvement, business strategy, and financial accuracy. ACCOUNTING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES May include, but are not limited to, the following: Operates with a minimum of direct supervision and requires a self-starter who works well individually or in a team environment. Adhere to Monthly Close Timeline & Control Checklist, Journal entry prep and authorization compliance. Prepare assigned reports/analyses for monthly internal management reporting package, including other analyses as needed including production and cost structure and for benchmarking. Collaborate with plant managers on creation of Monthly Forecast. Prepare other plant-level reports in support of plant managers, and or accounting or FPA requests. Prepare support schedules and assigned plants Annual Budget. Ensure goods receipts are properly accrued and matched with vendor invoices, so that outstanding items are cleared timely (GRIR). Ensure vendor invoices are properly processed by plant and purchasing personnel by coordinating and leading resolution efforts. Assist in processing inventory counts and postings. Analyze variances as needed. Assist with BOM Review/Audits. May assist with Standard Cost update recommendations: could include workcenter Labor & Overhead Rates / Throughput Rates / Yield Rates / Overhead Allocation Methodologies. Ensure purchase price standards are kept up to date on a continuous basis. Request/process revaluations to support accuracy. May support development of Capital Projects justifications. Support internal and external auditors by providing data and analyses as needed. May serve as a back-up when individuals are on vacation or absent. Comply with all Company policies and procedures. Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with seven plus years of progressive accounting experience in both public accounting and the private sector is required, preferably with a manufacturing background.
Knowledge of computerized accounting systems, preferably SAP and/or JDE, is critical to the position.
Must be proficient with spreadsheet programs, including Excel.
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.
Thorough attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to consistently meet tight 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.
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.

Nice To Haves

CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree preferred.
Cost accounting experience is a preferred.
Knowledge of SAP, BPC, and JDE accounting systems preferred

Responsibilities

Operates with a minimum of direct supervision and requires a self-starter who works well individually or in a team environment.
Adhere to Monthly Close Timeline & Control Checklist, Journal entry prep and authorization compliance.
Prepare assigned reports/analyses for monthly internal management reporting package, including other analyses as needed including production and cost structure and for benchmarking.
Collaborate with plant managers on creation of Monthly Forecast.
Prepare other plant-level reports in support of plant managers, and or accounting or FPA requests.
Prepare support schedules and assigned plants Annual Budget.
Ensure goods receipts are properly accrued and matched with vendor invoices, so that outstanding items are cleared timely (GRIR).
Ensure vendor invoices are properly processed by plant and purchasing personnel by coordinating and leading resolution efforts.
Assist in processing inventory counts and postings.
Analyze variances as needed.
Assist with BOM Review/Audits.
May assist with Standard Cost update recommendations: could include workcenter Labor & Overhead Rates / Throughput Rates / Yield Rates / Overhead Allocation Methodologies.
Ensure purchase price standards are kept up to date on a continuous basis.
Request/process revaluations to support accuracy.
May support development of Capital Projects justifications.
Support internal and external auditors by providing data and analyses as needed.
May serve as a back-up when individuals are on vacation or absent.
Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.