Associate Director, 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.​

SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Accounting Process Improvement and Optimization will lead the standardization and optimization of accounting processes within Westlake. This individual will partner with Business Unit Controllers to optimize and streamline financial processes and financial systems output to enhance efficiency and improve accuracy, while ensuring compliance with US GAAP. This individual will be recognized and act as an expert in all aspects of implementing, managing, and obtaining results from process improvement methodologies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the assessment of current workflows, identifying opportunities for standardization and optimization.
• Ensure an adequate backlog of projects has been established.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, consistency, and accuracy within the Controllership function through application of analytical methods.
• Support business unit project teams to successfully implement automation or process enhancements.
• Monitor and ensure that business unit project teams are accountable for their respective projects and project completion goals.
• Collaborate with Segment Controllers, Division Controllers, and business unit accounting teams to ensure consistent execution of established procedures or workflows.
• Communicate proposed and/or completed accounting process changes, including rationale and expected benefits, to the Corporate Financial Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.
• Support certain monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including review of accruals, reserves, and unusual transactions.
• Collaborate with internal and independent auditors on the quarterly reviews, integrated audits, and other regulatory requirements.
• Manage the Accounting Process Improvement and Optimization group, including training and development of the staff. Provide performance feedback and coaching to develop a team of high-performing professionals that add value and contribute to the Company’s success.
• Any additional responsibilities or special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; MBA preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Big 4 public accounting strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably with tenure at a Big 4 accounting firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, SOX compliance, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement projects within a complex corporate environment and a reputation as a leader of change.
• Strong analytical skills, knowledge of financial systems, and experience with process improvement methodologies like Lean Six Sigma.
• Good project management and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal capabilities and ability to work cross-functionally with other leaders on sensitive issues. Sound negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• 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.

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.