Analyst Principal

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

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Senior Analyst to drive product costing and material ledger activities across the North America region. You will partner with operations and plant leadership to analyze cost drivers, manufacturing performance, and inventory valuation, while supporting accounting teams for accurate results.

Responsibilities include close collaboration with FP&A and accounting, preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and monthly variance analyses, ensuring SOX compliance and data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or FP&A.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred; SAP S/4 and Material Ledger experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute and maintain product costing and Material Ledger processes with accuracy.
• Analyze cost components, material consumption, and production variances.
• Manage and validate standard costs, BOMs, and cost allocations; resolve data inconsistencies.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing finance

Variance analysis

Inventory analysis

Financial reporting

SOX controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

CPA / CMA / MBA preferred

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Material Ledger

BPC

JDE

Job description

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.SUMMARYThis role is a key member of the North America Finance team, responsible for the execution and analysis of product costing and Material Ledger activities across the Compounds business. The Principal Analyst partners closely with operations and plant leadership to provide insights into manufacturing performance, cost drivers, and inventory, while supporting accounting teams to ensure accurate financial results, strong internal controls, and consistency across the region in inventory and other key accounting areas. This position bridges operations, FP&A, and accounting, combining hands-on costing execution with financial analysis and operational support within the North America scope.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProduct Costing & Material LedgerExecute and maintain product costing and Material Ledger processes, ensuring accuracy and completenessAnalyze cost components, material consumption, and production variancesSupport and validate standard costs, BOMs, and cost allocationsIdentify and resolve inconsistencies in costing and inventory dataFinancial Planning & PerformanceAnalyze results versus plan/forecast, identifying key drivers and risksLead process improvements surrounding financial analysis of inventory, costing and other key accounting areasFinancial Close & ReportingPrepare and post journal entries related to inventory, costing, manufacturing activity and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.)Perform account reconciliations for inventory, cost-related accounts and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.)Deliver monthly variance analysis and reporting, with clear explanations of business driversSupport financial reporting aligned with operational activityCalculate and analyze needed inventory reserves to ensure appropriate valuation of inventoryControls & ComplianceEnsure adherence to SOX controls, internal policies, and standard processesSupport audit requests and documentation, ensuring accuracy and transparencyPartner with accounting leadership to maintain strong financial discipline and data integrityQUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field7+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or FP&AStrong experience with product costing, inventory, and variance analysisExperience working in a manufacturing environmentCPA, CMA, or MBA preferredExperience with SAP S/4 and Material Ledger preferredExperience in a multi-site environment preferredFamiliarity with BPC, JDE, or similar systems preferredPHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile 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. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe 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 including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.