Accountant Lead

Port Townsend Paper Corporation • Port Townsend, WA

13d • $103,500 - $160,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Lead provides technical and operational leadership for Port Townsend Paper Company’s mill accounting function, with primary responsibility for the financial close, general ledger integrity, chart of accounts, and balance sheet accuracy. The role coordinates the accounting team’s daily activities and provides guidance, work review, training, and support. The successful candidate uses sound accounting judgment, initiative, and continuous-improvement practices, including technology, automation, and approved AI-enabled tools, while maintaining effective controls. Additional responsibility for team administration and coordination may be assigned as business needs evolve, with authority defined by the Director of Finance. The position is based on-site in Port Townsend, Washington.

Port Townsend Paper Corporation has operated for more than 90 years, producing Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium, and market pulp from virgin and recycled fibers. The company emphasizes workplace safety, operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and community relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including primary responsibility for month-end close and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and ability to research and apply accounting guidance.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and analysis of large datasets.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and accountability, with the ability to identify necessary work and carry it through to completion.
• Ability to establish priorities, coordinate workloads, mentor colleagues, and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and ability to explain accounting issues to financial and non-financial colleagues.
• Comfort with technology and demonstrated interest in automation, AI, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work regularly on-site in Port Townsend, Washington.
• Authorization to work in the United States must be proven at the time of hire.
• A background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted prior to hire.

Nice To Haves

• CPA designation or progress toward CPA.
• Manufacturing and cost accounting experience.
• Experience in pulp and paper, public accounting, or ERP systems such as 4Site.
• Experience coordinating accounting staff, reviewing work, or leading team activities.
• Power BI experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, coordinating activities and ensuring accurate, complete, and timely results.
• Prepare and review journal entries, including complex accruals, reserves, allocations, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts in 4Site, ensuring consistent account structure and accurate classification.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, Crown Paper Group reporting packages, and account fluctuation analyses; investigate significant variances and explain them.
• Provide historical financial information and accounting support for budgeting and forecasting.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, investigate outstanding items, and ensure timely resolution.
• Oversee fixed asset and construction-in-progress accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, project closeout, and disposals.
• Maintain accounting for prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and Crown Paper Group intercompany balances.
• Lead mill stores inventory accounting and reconciliations; support production cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis with Finance and mill operations.
• Coordinate preparation, review, and timely filing of sales and use tax, Washington B&O tax, and property tax returns; monitor requirements and changes.
• Coordinate with PwC on income tax information requests and supporting schedules.
• Research, evaluate, and document U.S. GAAP application to non-routine and complex transactions.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, identifying risks and implementing practical improvements.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day accounting contact for the annual external audit, coordinating schedules, supporting documentation, and responses; support other audits and compliance reviews as needed.
• Coordinate daily accounting activities, assign and prioritize work within delegated authority, and monitor deadlines and completion.
• Provide technical direction, training, and work review for accounting and accounts payable/receivable staff.
• Mentor team members, build technical capabilities, promote cross-training and independence, and support consistent accounting policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Coordinate workload distribution, backup coverage, and team administrative activities as delegated by the Director of Finance.
• Provide input on staffing needs, employee development, and performance; address routine work issues within delegated authority and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Assume additional team administration or supervisory responsibilities as assigned, with reporting relationships and personnel authority defined by the Director of Finance.
• Provide backup coverage for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and treasury activities in accordance with approval authorities and segregation-of-duties controls.
• Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and accounting risks; develop and implement practical solutions within established authority.
• Improve processes to reduce manual effort, strengthen data quality, and streamline the financial close.
• Use 4Site, advanced Excel, Power BI, automation, and approved AI-enabled tools to improve accounting processes with appropriate validation, data safeguards, and controls.
• Coordinate material process and system changes with the Director of Finance and stakeholders, obtaining required approvals before implementation.
• Develop and maintain accounting procedures, close checklists, and desk manuals to support consistency, accountability, and business continuity.
• Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• Two weeks of paid vacation or more depending on position.
• Nine paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior