Plant Accountant; Golden Valley, Mn

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - 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.

We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that 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.

People
* Customers
* Trust

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.

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.

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.

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

Solid understanding and…