ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

Packaging Corporation of America•Wallula, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Associate (Payroll, AP, General) processes and submits weekly Mill payroll, maintains payroll records, produces reports and analysis in accordance with Mill and Company policies, and responds to employee payroll questions. The role also processes vendor accounts payable invoices and payments, maintains vendor records, and supports monthly accounting and financial reporting. The position provides general administrative support to the Mill Controller, Mill Manager, and HR Manager, including file organization and retrieval, meal arrangements, and meeting coordination. The successful candidate follows company policies and procedures, protects confidential information, supports service to employees, and cross-trains on non-payroll accounting and other assigned tasks.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school diploma.
At least one year of previous work experience in a business office or accounting function, with exposure to general ledger, payroll, and/or accounts payable.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Solid working knowledge of payroll procedures.
Strong working knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Office, preferably with exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Strong analytical skills and ability to handle detail-oriented tasks and review multiple documents and reports.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple requests or projects concurrently.
Strong appreciation for retaining and managing confidential information.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage details, deadlines, and requests.
Strong listening, evaluating, and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
Patience and ability to work closely with others in a team environment.
Ability to work flexible hours or overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or college accounting coursework.
Previous experience in the manufacturing sector, containerboard, or corrugated packaging industry.
Experience with computer software that handles payroll processing.

Responsibilities

Review daily timecards for accuracy and make necessary corrections or adjustments.
Coordinate payroll changes with HR, including terminations, new hires, and promotions.
Coordinate with department schedulers regarding schedule changes that affect employee pay.
Ensure submitted timecards comply with labor agreements, Mill policies, and labor regulations.
Process compensation and benefit adjustments, including dues, wage adjustments, vacation, sick leave, cash-outs, and reimbursements.
Maintain the accuracy of Mill payroll systems, including employee classifications, assignments, positions, lines, rates, status, and banks.
Conduct payroll and Worksight training for schedulers, hourly employees, and supervisors, including orientation for new union hourly employees and new salary supervisors.
Maintain payroll files and supporting documentation in accordance with company record-keeping policies.
Produce reports for upper management upon request and respond to corporate requests and cyclical filings and reporting under the Accounting Supervisor's direction.
Respond to employee questions or complaints regarding wages and payments.
Provide general administrative support to the Mill Controller, Mill Manager, and HR Manager, including file organization and retrieval, meal ordering and delivery, and meeting arrangements.
Post complete and accurate general ledger entries and verify and balance general ledger accounts.
Post, audit, and collect accounts receivable transactions, making adjustments and corrections as appropriate.
Review, verify, and process vendor invoices using three-way matching; prepare and process check and ACH payments.
Work with internal departments to obtain invoice approvals, verify purchase order information, and resolve vendor payment issues.
Reconcile vendor statements, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate vendor master records, including vendor and ACH setup.
Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting controls.
Cross-train on non-payroll accounting associate duties and perform other accounting tasks as assigned.
Follow company policies and procedures, share useful information with team members, and identify ways to improve service to employees.