Plant Controller

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company that seeks to lead in helping customers of all sizes 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. With approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations across the United States, we 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.

The Plant Controller is responsible for directing the financial management, business planning and accounting activities of a plant. The Plant Controller normally supervises the plant payroll, payables, receivables, management and financial reporting. The Plant Controller is involved in developing short‑ and long‑term plans and forecasts based on business goals; providing financial and operational analysis of results; and providing financial and operational alternative recommendations to improve plant results.

• Direct the accounting and financial affairs of the plant and provide guidance for management decisions including financial statements accuracy, the timely and accurate completion of transaction processing activities, payments properly supported and authorized, plant internal control compliance, adequate safeguards are in place to properly protect PCA assets, credit policies followed and customer collections made, and effective disclosure practices are in place and being followed.
• Ensure the plant maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws and that PCA's Key and Significant Controls are in place and operating.
• Conduct month and year‑end closings and ensure that financial transactions are processed properly.
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of budget and financial reports and forecasts.
• Maintain a system of accounts and document balances through complete and timely account reconciliations.
• Prepare internal reports, revise and update reports for management decision making, and analyze and report variances.
• Make recommendations to plant management aimed at improving the short and long‑term results of the plant.
• Review financial position and key control issues with plant management on a quarterly basis.
• Work with internal audit on all control‑based work and ensure all internal audit findings and AFR issues are corrected and remain corrected on a quarterly basis.
• Manage the profit forecasting, annual budgeting and month‑end closing processes for the plants; prepare financial analysis and scenarios as requested.
• Manage the capital expenditure process including working with plant management on analysis of significant projects and ensuring that the project's financials are prepared properly prior to Board of Director submission. Ensure plant accountants have detailed capital expenditure tracking in place for all projects.
• Provide guidance, training, and operating documentation to accounting staff as well as other staff that engage in accounting activities.
• Conduct succession planning activities within the plant.
• Understand and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 8+ years of experience in the accounting function with a solid understanding of all major areas of accounting.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing setting with 1‑2 years as Plant Accountant (or similar experience) and overall understanding of plant operations.
• Solid understanding and working knowledge of standard financial/accounting procedures, GAAP concepts and principles, accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Solid analytical and mathematical skills.
• Working knowledge of general ledger financial systems and inventory management.
• Must be able to analyze a multitude of issues and effectively communicate findings.
• Strong interpersonal skills to…