Accounting Manager - North America Compounds

Summary The Accounting Manager supports the Division Controller in managing all finance and accounting activities for North America operations. This role oversees monthly and quarterly close processes, account reconciliations, variance analysis, and compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements. The position supervises the North American Accounting team and partners with multiple manufacturing sites to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. Key Responsibilities Financial Close & Reporting Lead and manage all month end close activities for multiple manufacturing plants, including pre‑close, close‑day tasks, and post‑close review. Prepare and review monthly/quarterly account reconciliations. Assist in divisional financial statement preparation and reporting. Prepare month‑end reports and perform variance analysis with commentary. Partner with key contacts in operations to understand and explain monthly transactions, including capital expenditures, manufacturing costs and inventory. Ensure appropriate valuation and accuracy of monthly plant inventory balances. Internal Controls & Compliance Maintain internal controls and ensure SOX compliance. Coordinate internal and external audit requests for Compound sites and compliance with US GAAP requirements. Leadership & Team Development Supervise a Senior Accountant and Principal Analyst, providing guidance and professional development. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Systems & Process Improvement Support implementation of new IT systems to ensure financial accuracy. Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and compliance. Budgeting & Strategic Analysis Assist with annual budget development and periodic strategy reviews. Provide ad hoc financial analysis and reporting for FP&A, Corporate Finance, and Business Unit Leaders. Daily Accounting Operations Oversee invoice GL coding, DOA compliance, commission payments, and product costing. Ensure accuracy and timeliness of routine accounting functions. KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) Financial Close Accuracy & Timeliness: Complete monthly close within 4 business days with zero material errors. Reconciliation Compliance: 100% of account reconciliations completed and reviewed by deadlines. Audit Readiness: No significant audit findings; timely response to audit requests. SOX Compliance: Maintain full compliance with internal control requirements. Process Improvement: Implement at least 2 efficiency or automation initiatives annually. Team Development: Achieve 100% completion of annual performance reviews and development plans for direct reports. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; CPA or MBA preferred. 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in petrochemical or related industries. Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred. Strong financial analysis skills; solid understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory, and cost accounting strongly preferred. ERP experience required; S4/HANA strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Core Competencies Leadership and team management. Analytical and problem‑solving skills. Attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Strong communication and collaboration skills. Ability to independently identify and implement process improvements enhancing both compliance and efficiency. Physical Demands While 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. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Westlake Chemical Corporation