ACCOUNTANT-PLANT~G0120A~8383

Packaging Corporation of America•Carrollton, TX

About The Position

The Plant Accountant organizes and coordinates the plant’s general accounting activities. The role maintains a complete and accurate general ledger, prepares basic financial reports, and analyzes and reports variances. It supports timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including estimates and accruals, and helps ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls. The position also supports forecasting, financial analysis, customer account follow-up, and accurate hourly payroll processing. It guides and trains accounting associates and assists the Plant Controller with their day-to-day supervision. The Plant Accountant examines accounting records and reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with reporting and procedural standards, and analyzes business operations and financial trends to project future revenues and expenses or provide advice.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree is required; a concentration or major in accounting or finance is preferred.
Three years of previous work experience in a business office or accounting department with exposure to general ledger, payroll, and/or accounts payable functions is preferred.
Strong working knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Office, preferably with exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
Experience with financial systems for invoicing, credit and collections, expense reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger is required.
Solid understanding and working knowledge of standard financial and accounting procedures, GAAP concepts and principles, and internal control.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects or requests concurrently.
Strong analytical skills and ability to handle detail-oriented tasks and review multiple documents and reports.
Above-average written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate to multiple audiences and for different purposes.
Ability to network and build relationships with individuals of various experience levels and corporate positions.
Strong listening, evaluation, and organizational skills.
Previous experience as a team member or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in the manufacturing sector, containerboard, or corrugated packaging industry.

Responsibilities

Organize and coordinate general accounting activities for the plant, maintaining a complete and accurate general ledger.
Prepare basic financial reports and analyze and report variances.
Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including preparation of estimates and accruals.
Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
Comply with financial policies and procedures, including PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls.
Prepare, maintain, and reconcile general ledger accounts and financial reports, including balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, and capital expenditure reports.
Develop, maintain, and analyze forecasts, and prepare periodic reports comparing forecasts to actual costs.
Follow up on customer accounts, including customer credit issuances and collection activity.
Ensure accurate processing of hourly payroll and related payroll and employee functions, in compliance with company policies and state and federal requirements.
Guide, develop, and train accounting associates, and assist the Plant Controller in supervising their day-to-day activities.
Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports for accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or provide advice.