PLANT ACCOUNTANT (GOLDEN VALLEY, MN)

Colonial Group; Golden Valley (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Minnesota is seeking a Plant Accountant to organize and coordinate general accounting activities for the plant, ensuring a complete and accurate general ledger, preparing basic financial reports and variance analyses.

You will manage month-end close, inventory accounting, capital expenditures, rebates, payroll, and audits support while driving process improvements to enhance financial accuracy and plant performance.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
• Three years of experience in an accounting/finance environment with GL exposure.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close with journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and prepare financial statements and analyses.
• Perform inventory accounting including FG, WIP, and raw materials valuation.
• Monitor capital expenditures and track project accounting.
• Reconcile customer and vendor rebates and support audits.
• Oversee payroll processing and related compliance.
• Support internal/external audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

ERP/financial systems

Job description

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 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, 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.