Accountant

Corporate Accountant
Los Angeles, CA | On-site

About Westlake

Westlake Financial Services is the largest privately held auto finance company in the United States.  We specialize in the acquisition and servicing of prime to subprime automotive retail installment contracts in all 50 states.  Headquartered in Los Angeles, we have been a diversified lender for over 30 years and employ over 5,000 team members. Westlake Financial is still one of the fastest growing multi-billion dollar companies in the United States, currently managing over $20 Billion in receivables.

Summary

The accountant will report to the Corporate Accounting Manager. The ideal candidate is naturally curious, enjoys understanding the business behind the numbers, and is comfortable connecting information across multiple systems and data sources. This individual will use strong accounting fundamentals, analytical thinking, and technology - including SQL, automation, and AI tools - to investigate issues, improve workflows, and turn financial data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze daily cash balances and support treasury and cash management activities, including the review of bank activity and funding requirements.
• Prepare month-end journal entries, supporting schedules, and account analyses, including an evaluation of the business purpose and financial statement impact of proposed entries.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, including cash, loan receivables, intercompany balances, accruals, and other assigned accounts; investigate reconciling items and drive timely resolution.
• Perform financial statement fluctuation analysis, research significant variances, and clearly explain the operational or accounting drivers behind the results.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Validate data across the general ledger, bank platforms, subledgers, source systems, and reporting tools to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with Treasury, Finance, Operations, Tax, and Technology teams to resolve accounting issues and improve end-to-end processes.
• Assist with supporting schedules and documentation for annual business license filings, interim and year-end audits, and other compliance requests.
• Participate in system implementations, data validation, workflow redesign, and other cross-functional projects.
• Use Excel, SQL, AI tools, and automation solutions to reduce manual work and build scalable accounting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• One to three years of general, corporate, or public accounting experience; relevant internships may be considered.
• Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and core accounting concepts, with a desire to continue developing technical accounting knowledge.
• Experience preparing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and supporting month-end close preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including lookups, PivotTables, formulas, and data analysis; Power Query experience is a plus.
• Basic SQL knowledge or a demonstrated willingness to learn how to query, analyze, and validate financial data.
• Experience with ERP systems, reconciliation tools, banking platforms, or financial reporting systems preferred.
• Comfort using or learning AI-enabled productivity tools to support research, analysis, documentation, and process improvement.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail - Able to interpret financial and operational data, identify trends and exceptions, and translate findings into practical insights and actions.
• Process improvement - Continuously evaluates workflows, identifies inefficiencies and control risks, and recommends automation or process improvements that enhance accuracy and scalability.
• Ownership mentality - Demonstrates accountability for assigned responsibilities, proactively follows issues through resolution, and takes initiative without waiting for direction.
• Curiosity and Continuous Learning - Seeks to understand the "why" behind accounting transactions, asks thoughtful questions, and actively pursues opportunities to expand technical accounting and technology skills.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and/or Finance.
• Two to four years of general accounting experience.
• Minimum two years of full-cycle close

PAY RATE:

• $70,000 - $85,000 per year
• The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire and will be dependent on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, skill set, experience, education, credentials, and licensure when applicable.

What do we offer? 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits 
• Life Insurance and Long-term disability plans 
• Flexible Spending Account 
• 401K matching 
• Employee Stock Ownership Program in a $18.2 Billion Company, plus company matching 
• Wellness Programs 
• Metro Tap Card and Metro-link Reimbursement (for Los Angeles, CA employees only) 
• Career Path Opportunities 
• Discounts on Parks, Museums, Movie Tickets, and Attractions 
• Employee Loan Assistance  
• Annual Flu Shot
• Paid Vacations Days 
• Paid Sick days 
• Paid holidays 
• HGym (available in our Los Angeles, CA & Dallas,TX office) 
• Rental Car Discounts, Dell Member Purchase Program 
• UKG Wallet 

Acknowledgment 

We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not unlawfully discriminate in employment. No question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excluding any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.