Plant Accountant; Golden Valley, Mn

Plant Accountant

The Plant Accountant is responsible for organizing and coordinating the general accounting activities for the plant. Ensure day-to-day maintenance of a complete and accurate general ledger, prepare basic financial reports, and analyze and report any variances.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including the preparation of journal entries, accruals, estimates, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger through accurate account analysis, reconciliations, and financial reporting activities.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analyses, forecasts, and other management reports to support business decision-making.
• Perform inventory accounting activities including yield reporting and analysis for finished goods (FG), work-in-process (WIP), and raw materials; inventory valuation; inventory reconciliations; and management of 90-day inventory reporting and follow-up activities.
• Prepare, monitor, and report capital expenditures, ensuring accurate accounting and tracking of approved projects.
• Gather, validate, analyze, and report month-end operational and financial data to support plant performance reporting and forecasting activities.
• Administer and reconcile customer rebates, vendor rebates, and other related accounting programs, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with company policies.
• Follow up on customer accounts, including customer credit issuances, collections activities, account reconciliations, and payment follow-up.
• Ensure the accurate processing of hourly payroll and related employee transactions while maintaining compliance with company policies and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Resolve accounting discrepancies, investigate irregularities, and recommend corrective actions to improve financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Comply with all financial policies and procedures, including PCA's SOX 404 Key Controls and internal control requirements.
• Guide, train, and develop accounting associates while assisting the Plant Controller in coordinating and supervising daily accounting activities.
• Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, and financial commitments to identify opportunities, support management decision-making, and improve plant performance.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, reconciliations, reports, and requested documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance accounting processes, reporting accuracy, inventory controls, and overall financial performance

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree is required with a 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.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Office preferably with exceptional knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with financial systems for invoicing, credit/collections, expense reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in the manufacturing sector, container board, and corrugated packaging industry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 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…