Analyst Principal

Job description

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 This role is a key member of the North America Finance team, responsible for the execution and analysis of product costing and Material Ledger activities across the Compounds business. The Principal Analyst partners closely with operations and plant leadership to provide insights into manufacturing performance, cost drivers, and inventory, while supporting accounting teams to ensure accurate financial results, strong internal controls, and consistency across the region in inventory and other key accounting areas. This position bridges operations, FP&A, and accounting, combining hands-on costing execution with financial analysis and operational support within the North America scope. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Product Costing & Material Ledger Execute and maintain product costing and Material Ledger processes, ensuring accuracy and completeness Analyze cost components, material consumption, and production variances Support and validate standard costs, BOMs, and cost allocations Identify and resolve inconsistencies in costing and inventory data Financial Planning & Performance Analyze results versus plan/forecast, identifying key drivers and risks Lead process improvements surrounding financial analysis of inventory, costing and other key accounting areas Financial Close & Reporting Prepare and post journal entries related to inventory, costing, manufacturing activity and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.) Perform account reconciliations for inventory, cost-related accounts and other key accounting areas (T&D, AP Clearing, invoice coding, etc.) Deliver monthly variance analysis and reporting, with clear explanations of business drivers Support financial reporting aligned with operational activity Calculate and analyze needed inventory reserves to ensure appropriate valuation of inventory Controls & Compliance Ensure adherence to SOX controls, internal policies, and standard processes Support audit requests and documentation, ensuring accuracy and transparency Partner with accounting leadership to maintain strong financial discipline and data integrity QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field 7+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or FP&A Strong experience with product costing, inventory, and variance analysis Experience working in a manufacturing environment CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred Experience with SAP S/4 and Material Ledger preferred Experience in a multi-site environment preferred Familiarity with BPC, JDE, or similar 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. 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 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.