Manager, Accounting Process Improvement & Optimization

Manager, Accounting Process Improvement and Optimization

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.

The Manager, Accounting Process Improvement and Optimization is responsible for overseeing the standardization and optimization of accounting processes within Westlake. This role involves ensuring the robust performance of our financial systems and their output, as well as optimizing and streamlining financial processes to align with organizational goals. This individual will lead improvement and optimization projects from conception through execution and enforce procedures to maintain efficiency and accuracy within our accounting processes and financial systems.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in process mapping documentation.
• Assess current workflows, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for standardization and optimization.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, and accuracy within the Controllership function through application of analytical methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT and business unit accounting teams, to design and roll out improved processes that automate tasks, standardize reporting, and assure compliance.
• Manage projects with business unit project teams to successfully implement automation or process improvements projects.
• Facilitate training sessions, monitor post-implementation outcomes, and make adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with Segment Controllers, Division Controllers, and business unit accounting teams to ensure consistent execution of established procedures or workflows.
• Prepare documentation of accounting process changes.
• Support certain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Collaborate with internal and independent auditors on the quarterly reviews, integrated audits, and other regulatory requirements.
• Any additional responsibilities or special projects as assigned.

Education, experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Big 4 or Next 6 public accounting strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably with tenure at a Big 4 or Next 6 accounting firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, SOX compliance, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and process improvement within a complex corporate environment.
• Strong analytical skills, knowledge of financial systems, and experience with process improvement methodologies like Lean Six Sigma.
• Good project management and organizational skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal capabilities and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to combine initiative with professional discipline to accomplish difficult tasks through other people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate complex accounting issues and/or processes clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent required (Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred).
• Familiarity with SAP / Hana S4, JDE or other major ERP systems.
• Preferred experience working in the chemicals, manufacturing, or related industries.

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 5 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Significant digital dexterity, e.g., using computer keyboard is required. Use of oral communication to perform work is required.

Work environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an open office concept. 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.

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