Accounting Manager

Company Background

Alta Forest Products is the world's largest producer of wood fence boards, specializing in Western Red Cedar and other premium species found in the Pacific and Inland Northwest forests. In addition to producing fence boards and pallet stock lumber, Alta's zero‑wood‑waste sawmills produce by‑products such as wood chips, sawdust, mulch, and bio‑fuel. Headquartered in centrally‑located Chehalis, Washington, Alta operates fence board sawmills in rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The Financial Accounting Manager is responsible for managing the general accounting functions of the organization, to include accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, accounting policies and procedures and other transactions as needed. In addition, the Accounting Manager will evaluate and make improvements to accounting processes while ensuring that practices comply with organization’s accounting policies and applicable laws and regulations. This position reports to the Controller.

• Oversee and manage accounts and accounting systems to address all financial aspects for the company’s dynamic and fast‑growing needs, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger and reconciliations.
• Assist in the maintenance of accounts and ledgers, which may involve setting up accounts, preparing accounting document batches, uploading and downloading entries and reports and coordinating period closings.
• Thorough understanding of the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes including year‑end filings.
• Respond to a range of inquiries regarding financial transactions; research and resolve problems.
• Assess current practices and procedures and make recommendations for improvements.
• Assist with quarterly reporting and year‑end financial audit activities.
• Develop staff by managing performance, setting goals, providing ongoing training, and maintaining strong employee relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in finance or accounting.
• One to three years of successful work experience and a thorough knowledge of managerial level practices with progressive responsibility for planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing, reporting and budgeting programs, preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in forest products or a related industry, preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Able to work cooperatively with others.
• Have the capability to be flexible and perform under time demands and pressure.
• Experience training and managing others.
• Ability to understand, remember and carry out oral and written directions.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting, budgeting and costing analysis.
• Skill in analyzing fiscal data and ability to recommend problem‑solving strategies.
• Knowledge of records management procedures necessary to assemble and maintain required fiscal information.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically working in an interior office environment. The employee may seldomly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

This is an exempt salary position, that requires the ability to work 40+ hours a week. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends or holidays to accommodate critical goals and objectives may be necessary.

Small company, big opportunity! Growing & investing in employees and mills, Alta aims to be an…