Accountant - Nicholasville

Smurfit Westrock; Nicholasville, Northern (KY, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive training

Development opportunities

Global packaging company culture

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Nicholasville, KY, seeks a Staff Accountant to support plant finance through cost accounting, ERP job-cost reviews, data maintenance and core accounting activities. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, this early-career role collaborates with plant leadership to ensure timely, accurate financial information.

Key duties include monthly operational analyses, reviewing manufacturing jobs in the ERP, assisting with AP/AR, and preparing management reports while supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of accounting experience.
• Manufacturing, cost accounting, or ERP experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly operational analyses explaining performance drivers.
• Review daily manufacturing jobs in the ERP; research variances and correct costs.
• Support ERP data maintenance for accuracy and documentation.
• Assist with AP/AR responsibilities and reconciliations.
• Analyze improvement opportunities in operations and costs.
• Maintain general ledger, journal entries, and financial reporting.

Skills

Excel

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

ERP experience

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

The Opportunity

The Staff Accountant supports the Nicholasville plant finance team by performing cost accounting, operational analysis, ERP job-cost review and corrections, financial data maintenance, and core accounting activities. Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, this early-career role works collaboratively with plant leadership and cross-functional partners to help ensure timely, accurate financial information and support continuous improvement. The position also assists with internal controls, policies, and procedures and provides exposure to the financial processes that support a global manufacturing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly operational analyses that explain financial performance and the primary drivers of results.
• Perform daily review of manufacturing jobs in the plant ERP system; research cost variances and complete accurate, timely job-cost corrections.
• Support improvements to ERP financial data maintenance, including data accuracy, consistency, documentation, and follow-up on identified issues.
• Provide cross-functional backup support for accounts payable and accounts receivable, including invoice reviews, payment validation, customer and purchase order receipt inquiries, and account reconciliations, to help ensure accurate financial reporting and strong internal controls.
• Perform assigned accounts payable and accounts receivable responsibilities.
• Analyze operational improvement opportunities, including potential revenue enhancement and expense savings initiatives.
• Identify and communicate potential process inefficiencies within Sales, Production, and other plant functions.
• Perform general accounting activities, including general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations, and departmental account balancing.
• Prepare management reports and assist with financial statement analysis.
• Support compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and established procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with plant personnel and business partners to resolve financial and data-quality issues.
• Work well in a dynamic environment under tight deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
• One to two years of relevant accounting experience; accounting internship experience may be considered.
• Manufacturing, cost accounting, or ERP experience is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies, and maintain accurate financial data.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to read, interpret, and prepare detailed instructions, correspondence, and business documents.

What We Offer

• A corporate culture grounded in safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation aligned with skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety, and inclusion are foundational to our work.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.