Accounting Manager

Sterling Specialty Chemicals; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals is seeking an Accounting Manager to support accurate financial reporting, monthly close activities, plant-level cost accounting, and monthly cost release processes. You will partner with Finance, Operations, Sourcing, AR/AP, and plant teams to ensure costs are accurate, released, reconciled, and clearly explained for management reporting and decision-making.

The role focuses on cost accounting, monthly close, variance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably with cost accounting, manufacturing, inventory, or plant-level reporting exposure.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience with monthly close, cost release, variance analysis, and management reporting.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, and cost center processes.

Responsibilities

• Own and support monthly cost release activities and ensure costs are reflected in financial statements.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities in accordance with US GAAP.
• Explain key financial movements including cost changes, margin impact, inventory activity, accruals, and cash flow drivers.
• Provide data to Tax, AR, AP, Operations, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Support payment runs and cash flow improvement with Sourcing and AP teams.

Skills

US GAAP

Cost accounting

Excel

Manufacturing

Inventory

Finance experience

S/4HANA

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Microsoft Power BI

Job description

Role Summary: The Accounting Manager is responsible for supporting accurate financial reporting, monthly close activities, plant-level cost accounting, and monthly cost release processes. This role partners with Finance, Operations, Sourcing, AR/AP, and plant teams to ensure costs are accurate, properly released, reconciled, and clearly explained for management reporting and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting and Monthly Cost Release

• Own and support monthly cost release activities, ensuring standard costs, actual costs, freight, inventory-related costs, and plant-level cost elements are accurately reflected in the financial statements.
• Partner with Operations, Sourcing, Logistics, and Finance teams to identify cost drivers, analyze cost variance, resolve discrepancies, and improve cost visibility.

Monthly Close and Financial Reporting

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities in accordance with US GAAP and company deadlines.
• Manage and review balance sheet reconciliations including GRIR accounts, ensuring reconciling items are resolved timely.
• Explain key financial movements, including cost changes, margin impact, inventory activity, accruals, and cash flow drivers.
• Consistently deliver timely, accurate, and well-supported financial information to management.

Process Improvement, Controls, and Cross-Functional Support

• Implement, improve, streamline, and automate accounting, reporting and internal controls processes where practical.
• Support annual audits by preparing schedules, explanations, and documentation requested by auditors.
• Provide relevant accounting and financial data to Tax, AR, AP, Operations, and other internal stakeholders as needed.
• Work with Sourcing and AP teams to support payment run, cash flow improvement and reduction of past-due balances.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 3–5 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably with cost accounting, manufacturing, inventory, or plant-level reporting exposure.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP, financial statements, general ledger activity, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience with monthly close, cost release, variance analysis, and management reporting.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, and cost center processes.
• Strong Excel skills required-SAP S/4HANA experience preferred. High level of accuracy, attention to detail, follow-through, and ownership.
• Experience with Microsoft Power BI preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain financial results clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Minimal travel may be required for company meetings, facility visits, audits, or other business needs.