Plant Accountant - Lancaster

PCA • Lancaster, PA

48d • $78,000 - $98,000

About The Position

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust
The Plant Accountant is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and performing the general accounting activities for the plant. This role ensures the day‑to‑day maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger, prepares financial reports, analyzes variances, supports payroll processing, and assists with forecasting and cost analysis. The position also helps ensure compliance with PCA’s financial policies, GAAP, and SOX 404 Key Controls, while supporting and developing accounting team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a business office/accounting environment with exposure to general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, or related functions.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with financial systems for invoicing, credit/collections, expense reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and standard accounting procedures.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to handle detail‑oriented tasks and review multiple reports.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage numerous details, deadlines, and concurrent projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills suitable for multiple audiences.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and relationship‑building skills across various organizational levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and present information professionally.
• Self‑starter with strong multitasking and prioritization abilities.
• Understanding of teamwork, open communication, and information sharing.

Nice To Haves

• Cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and multi‑site operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes, including estimates and accruals.
• Prepare and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with reporting standards.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Identify, resolve, and report accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
• Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future financial performance or provide recommendations.
• Ensure accurate processing of hourly payroll and related employee functions in compliance with company policies and state/federal requirements.
• Support accounts payable, invoicing, credit/collections, and expense reporting functions.
• Ensure compliance with PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls and internal financial policies and procedures.
• Maintain strong internal controls and adherence to GAAP principles.
• Assist the Plant Controller in supervising, guiding, and developing accounting associates.
• Support daily workflow and continuous improvement within the accounting team.

Benefits

• Starting salary range for position: $78,000-98,000.
• Annual Bonus: Based upon individual contribution and overall company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year (pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year)
• Paid Holidays.
• Benefits eligibility: Medical, dental, vision within first 30 days; automatic enrollment in life, AD&D, and disability
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees