Plant Accountant

Packaging-Corporation-of-America; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Three weeks paid vacation

Paid holidays

401(k) with employer match

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America in Vernon, CA seeks a Plant Accountant to organize and coordinate the plant's general accounting activities, maintain the general ledger, and analyze variances. The role emphasizes monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes with accurate reports.

You will oversee payroll processing, forecasts, and reconciliation of accounts, while training accounting associates and supporting the Plant Controller in day-to-day operations. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of GAAP concepts and internal controls.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills for reporting and reconciliation.
• Experience with payroll, accounts payable, and general ledger processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes with estimates and accruals.
• Resolve discrepancies and irregularities in financial records.
• Comply with PCA policies, including SOX 404 controls.
• Prepare and reconcile general ledger accounts and financial reports (balance sheets, P&L, capex).
• Develop forecasts and compare against actual costs in periodic reports.
• Manage customer accounts, credit issuances, and collections activity.
• Oversee payroll processing and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Train and coach accounting associates under the Plant Controller.
• Analyze operations and advise on trends, costs, and revenues.

Skills

GAAP concepts

Internal controls

Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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.

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.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including the preparation of estimates and accruals.

Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.

Comply with financial policies and procedures including compliance with PCA’s SOX 404 Key Controls.

Engage in general accounting activities including the accurate and complete preparation, maintenance, and reconciliation of general ledger accounts and financial reports, such as balance sheets, profit-loss statements, and capital expenditure reports.

Develop, maintain, and analyze forecasts, then prepare periodic reports that compare forecasts to actual costs.

Follow up on customer accounts including customer credit issuances and collection activity.

Ensure the accurate processing of the hourly payroll and related payroll/employee functions. Ensure all payroll transactions comply with company policies, as well as all state and federal requirements.

Guide, develop, and train accounting associates including assisting the Plant Controller in supervising the day-to-day activities of the accounting associates.

Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.

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, containerboard, 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 listening, evaluating, and organizational skills.

Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $86,240 - $129,360
• Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.