Accounting Manager

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical Corporation is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee plant accounting and cost accounting across a multi-site operation. You will manage inventory valuation, standard costing, variances, and financial reporting while partnering with Plant Management to drive performance.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing accounting with strong FP&A, ERP/JD Edwards experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong manufacturing and cost accounting experience required.
• Previous FP&A experience required.
• Experience with ERP systems, JD Edwards preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and financial reporting proficiency.
• Prior supervisory or people leadership experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, absorption costing, and variance analysis.
• Oversee monthly inventory close processes and reporting of material, labor, and overhead costs.
• Review and analyze manufacturing variances (purchase price, labor, production, scrap, and inventory adjustments).
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle counts with variance investigation and resolution.
• Lead month-, quarter-, and year-end close activities and ensure timely financial reporting for plants.
• Own the Profit & Loss Statement, Manufacturing Statement, inventory accounting, and Balance Sheet accounts for assigned plants.
• Lead financial planning and analysis, including monthly forecasting, variance analysis, and annual budget preparation.
• Provide financial insights to plant leadership and operations; identify risks and opportunities.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

FP&A

Advanced Excel

People leadership

SOX/compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

JD Edwards

ERP systems

Job description

SUMMARY

This role is responsible for overseeing all plant accounting and cost accounting activities across a multi-site manufacturing operation. The Accounting Manager will ensure the accuracy of inventory accounting, standard costs, manufacturing variances, and financial reporting while partnering closely with Plant Management and Operations to drive financial performance, strengthen controls, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Lead all manufacturing accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, absorption costing, and variance analysis.


• Oversee monthly inventory close processes, ensuring accurate reporting of material, labor, and overhead costs.


• Review and analyze manufacturing variances, including purchase price variances, labor variances, production variances, scrap, and inventory adjustments.


• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs, including variance investigation, analysis, and resolution.


• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for assigned manufacturing plants.


• Oversee all accounting activities for assigned plants, including full ownership of the Profit & Loss Statement, Manufacturing Statement, inventory accounting, and all Balance Sheet accounts.


• Lead plant financial planning and analysis activities, including monthly forecasting, variance analysis, and annual budget preparation.


• Serve as a key finance business partner to plant leadership and operations management by providing financial insights, identifying risks and opportunities, and supporting strategic decision‑making.


• Partner closely with internal and external auditors to support audit activities and ensure compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and SOX requirements.


• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Senior Cost Accountants, including resource planning, training, performance management, and career development.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management, costing methodologies, and financial reporting processes.


• Support ERP system enhancements and process automation initiatives.


• Ensure the integrity of inventory accounting and compliance with company policies and procedures.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including manufacturing accounting responsibilities.


• Strong manufacturing and cost accounting experience is required.


• Previous FP&A experience is required.


• Experience with ERP systems is required; JD Edwards experience is preferred.


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with financial reporting and analysis tools.


• Prior supervisory or people leadership experience is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and talk or hear. The 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 required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Flexibility in hours to meet deadlines. 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 up to 10% including air travel or auto travel.

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.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.