Accounting Associate

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA); Massillon (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) seeks an Accounting Associate to maintain all accounting records and produce timely financial reports, analysis, and statements. The role emphasizes accuracy, compliance with GAAP, and adherence to company policies.

The position is full-time, in-person at a PCA facility, and requires careful attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel is expected to support daily accounting tasks and reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma with basic accounting knowledge.
• At least 1 year of work experience in an office or accounting function (GL, payroll, or AP).
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with ability to handle confidential financial information.

Responsibilities

• General Ledger Management: post entries and verify balances for accuracy.
• Accounts Payable Processing: post and process batch payments.
• Accounts Receivable Oversight: post, audit, and adjust AR as needed.
• Payroll Support: assist with processing weekly hourly payroll.
• Financial Closing Assistance: help prepare month-end closings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Confidential information handling

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accounting Associate | Packaging Corporation of America

The Tone:

This is a full-time role at Packaging Corporation of America. PCA, a Fortune 500 ideas and solutions company, specializes in corrugated packaging and white paper businesses, operating across more than 100 locations in the United States with approximately 15,000 team members. This position is vital for maintaining all accounting records and producing timely reports, analysis, and statements, which directly supports the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its mission to serve customer needs today and tomorrow. The Accounting Associate plays a key role in ensuring financial accuracy and compliance for the plant, adhering strictly to company policies and generally accepted accounting principles.

The TL;DR

• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person
• Mission: This person is responsible for accurately maintaining all accounting records and for producing timely financial reports, analysis, and statements in accordance with company policies and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel

What You’ll Actually Do

• General Ledger Management: Accurately post entries to the general ledger and verify account balances to ensure completeness and correctness.
• Accounts Payable Processing: Validate, post, and process accounts payable transactions, including the precise preparation of batch payments.
• Accounts Receivable Oversight: Post, audit, and collect accounts receivable transactions, making appropriate adjustments and corrections as necessary to maintain accurate records.
• Payroll Support: Provide essential support with the processing of weekly hourly payroll, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
• Financial Closing Assistance: Assist in the comprehensive preparation of month-end closings for the plant’s financial statements.

The Must-Haves

• Background: Education equivalent to a high school diploma is required, along with a solid working knowledge of fundamental accounting procedures.
• Experience: At least 1 year of previous work experience within a business office or accounting function, with exposure to areas like general ledger, payroll, or accounts payable.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to handle detail-oriented tasks and review multiple documents and reports; strong organizational skills necessary for managing numerous details, deadlines, and requests; and a firm appreciation for the retention and management of confidential financial information.
• Bonus: An Associate’s degree or relevant college accounting coursework is preferred, as is previous experience within the manufacturing sector or the containerboard and corrugated packaging industry. Experience with dedicated computer software for accounts payable and general ledger functions is also a plus.