Associate Director - Technical Accounting

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, Technical Accounting is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Company’s financial accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This individual is Westlake’s subject matter expert on technical accounting matters. This is a global position and will partner closely with Operational Accounting and other teams across the Company to provide technical accounting guidance to ensure transactions are accounted for accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Provide global oversight of technical accounting matters and proactively assess the impact of new U.S. GAAP accounting standards and trends.
• Proactively participate in the research and analysis of complex accounting matters, communicating results succinctly in plain English. Prepare and/or review accounting position papers to document the accounting considerations, impact and conclusions of said accounting matters.
• Establish themselves as a partner and “go-to” resource for technical accounting guidance to Senior Management, Controllers and others.
• Manage the development of, and updates to, the Company’s accounting policies.
• Assist with the assessment and implementation of new accounting policies and internal controls.
• Ensure that accounting policies are well understood and partner with Operational Accounting and other teams to reinforce and operationalize accounting policies.
• Lead cross-functional implementation of Controllership organization initiatives, including M&A due diligence, integration, and other strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal and independent auditors on technical accounting matters, the quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Manage the Technical Accounting 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.
• Ensure appropriate and adequate internal controls in the Technical Accounting function. Enforce control compliance by staff.
• Fully support Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels. Assist in the evaluation of and improvement in the effectiveness of internal controls and financial reporting.
• 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 public accounting and/or transactional technical accounting experience required.
• Minimum of 12 years progressive accounting experience in public accounting, financial reporting and/or technical accounting roles.
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP, strong technical writing skills and experience in the implementation and handling of complex U.S. GAAP accounting matters. Proven ability to research, clearly articulate and document complex technical accounting issues.
• Strong technical knowledge of SEC reporting requirements, SOX compliance and internal controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical accounting issues to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented individual who works well under tight deadlines and/ or under pressure.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to work extended hours when working towards reporting or project deadlines.
• Familiarity with SAP, Hana S4, JDE, or other major ERP systems preferred.
• Experience in chemicals, manufacturing, or related industries 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 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.