Plant Accountant

Packaging Corporation of America•Richland, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Accountant is responsible for organizing and coordinating the general accounting activities for the plant. This role ensures the day-to-day maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger, prepares basic financial reports, and analyzes and reports any variances. The position involves ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including the preparation of estimates and accruals, and resolving accounting discrepancies. Compliance with financial policies and procedures, including PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls, is essential. The Plant Accountant will engage in general accounting activities such as preparing, maintaining, and reconciling general ledger accounts and financial reports (balance sheets, profit-loss statements, capital expenditure reports). Other duties include developing, maintaining, and analyzing forecasts, preparing periodic reports comparing forecasts to actual costs, and following up on customer accounts, including credit issuances and collection activity. The role also ensures accurate processing of hourly payroll and related employee functions, ensuring compliance with company policies and all state and federal requirements. Furthermore, the Plant Accountant will guide, develop, and train accounting associates, assist the Plant Controller in supervising day-to-day activities, and prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records and financial statements to assess accuracy and conformance to standards. The position also involves analyzing business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or provide advice.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

concentration or major in accounting or finance preferred
Three (3) years of previous work experience in a business office/accounting department with exposure to general ledger, payroll, and/or accounts payable functions preferred.
exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Previous experience in the manufacturing sector, containerboard, and corrugated packaging industry.

Responsibilities

Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including the preparation of estimates and accruals.
Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
Comply with financial policies and procedures including compliance with PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls.
Engage in general accounting activities including the accurate and complete preparation, maintenance, and reconciliation of general ledger accounts and financial reports, such as balance sheets, profit-loss statements, and capital expenditure reports.
Develop, maintain, and analyze forecasts, then prepare periodic reports that compare forecasts to actual costs.
Follow up on customer accounts including customer credit issuances and collection activity.
Ensure the accurate processing of the hourly payroll and related payroll/employee functions.
Ensure all payroll transactions comply with company policies, as well as all state and federal requirements.
Guide, develop, and train accounting associates including assisting the Plant Controller in supervising the day-to-day activities of the accounting associates.
Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess 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 to provide advice.