Analyst Principal

SUMMARY

The Chlorovinyls Accounting Analysis Group provides essential information flows and analysis to the Chlorovinyls SVP, the VPs of the PVC/VCM and CA&D SBUs, the PEM Segment Controller and the Chlorovinyls Divisional Controller and other senior management personnel. This includes financial analysis covering results of operations and balance sheet, sales volumes and pricing analysis, financial and market forecasts, capital and operating budgets, and other ad hoc business analysis as requested, including profitability analysis by product. The Chlorovinyls Accounting Analysis Group also supports the accounting close process by preparing sales reports used to reconcile sales revenues at month-end and record statistical sales volumes account. This position supports all planning, analysis and reporting related activities with respect to the Chlorovinyls Business (PVC/VCM and CA&D SBUs). The incumbent regularly interacts with the Executive Management team, as well as other department managers and support staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• This position operates with a minimum of direct supervision and requires a self-starter who works well individually and in a team environment
• Generates monthly and quarterly financial and sales reports, presentations and related analysis for the Division Controller and Westlake’s Senior Management
• Prepares the monthly review and reporting of key metrics and key variance analysis for the Chlorovinyls Business, assists in the analysis and interpretation of trends and variations in the performance of the component businesses
• Deliver the results of analysis to the Chlorovinyls Manager-Financial Planning, in a concise and clear manner
• Research relevant market and macroeconomic trends and incorporate insights into ongoing work products
• Monitors accuracy and completeness of statistical accounting for Chlorovinyls segment, and maintains accuracy of divisional eliminations in consolidated reporting
• Assists the Chlorovinyls Manager-Financial Planning in annual budgeting process by communicating and coordinating with the relevant stakeholders, completing the necessary analysis, templates and reports
• Supports the Chlorovinyls business monthly forecasting processes, including the necessary preparing analysis and fluxes, and issuing templates and reports
• Provide ad hoc reports and analysis to senior management
• Identify, design and implement enhancements to existing planning, forecasting and reporting processes and systems
• Perform other assignments as they relate to financial analysis and forecasting as requested
• Other projects and duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Manager-Financial Planning
• Provide BPC reports as requested and assist field locations as needed with BPC issues
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting with progressive technical and operational business experience preferably in a petrochemical or related field; 7 plus years of relevant experience in accounting or finance related fields.
• CPA, CFA, or MBA preferred.
• Strong financial analysis and cost accounting experience is preferred.
• Must be able to develop strong relationships and credibility with key internal teams and business units.
• Able to analyze and comment on financial statements and forecasts.
• Strong critical thinker with the ability to work independently as well as being able to collaborate as part of a high functioning team.
• Strong oral and written communication / presentation skills.
• Mastery of Excel to both create models and analysis on the fly.

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 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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.  Travel up to 10% including air travel or auto travel.