Senior Accountant at Westlake Chemical in Houston, TX

Senior Accountant Location: US - Houston, TX 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 The Senior Accountant is responsible for providing a broad range of financial accounting and analysis to support the Accounting Manager, Accounting Supervisor and the business. Determines and implements cost accounting procedures and methods. Included in responsibilities for this role are the preparation and analysis of cost reports and costing audits. In addition, this role examines and reviews unusual cost records and ensures cost data is allocated correctly.  Responsibilities encompass monthly financial close and reporting, operational budgets and forecast, capital management, maintaining Sarbanes-Oxley and internal controls compliance. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES May include, but are not limited to, the following: Coordination of month-end closing activities related to Inventory, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and general accounting Ensure accurate and timely reporting of monthly results Maintain monthly Balance Sheet account reconciliations, ensuring that all accounts are reconciled timely within the month end cycle Periodic balance sheet reviews Prepare monthly journal entries Maintain  and  perform  analysis  for  various  accounts, including intercompany and cash accounts Prepare payroll and benefits entries, and reconcile discrepancies with the payroll department Assist the Accounting Manager with analysis and reporting of monthly and quarterly financial results Oversee capital expenditures, prepare monthly capital asset reporting, and ensure projects are capitalized timely and in accordance with company policies Ensure commodity taxes are remitted in accordance with government regulations Respond to internal and external audit inquiries and support other required filings Maintain and file all financial reporting information as per departmental and Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines Participate in annual inventory counts Assist with internal control and Sarbanes Oxley compliance and training Identify opportunities for improvements in processes and systems QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. 4 to 5 plus years of progressive accounting experience. CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree preferred. Cost accounting experience is a plus. Experience in a manufacturing environment working with A/P, General Accounting, Payroll, Inventories, Fixed Assets, Cash Accounting, Financial Analysis & Reporting and Multi-plant and budgeting is also preferred 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. Ability to consistently meet 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. Skill at identifying, measuring, evaluating and improving, if needed, the effectiveness of accounting, managerial, financial and operational controls. Thorough attention to detail and accuracy. Excellent problems resolution and decision-making skills. 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. Demonstrated leadership as part of a cross-functional management team. Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel. Knowledge of JDE, SAP and BPC accounting systems preferred. 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 occasionally 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.  10% 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.