PLANT ACCOUNTANT (GOLDEN VALLEY, MN)

Packaging Corporation of America; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,400 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

11 paid holidays

401k with employer match

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Life, AD&D and disability coverage

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America is seeking a Plant Accountant to organize and coordinate the plant's accounting activities, ensuring the general ledger is complete and up to date, and month‑end/quarterly/annual closings are timely.

The role includes inventory accounting (FG, WIP, raw materials), capital expenditure tracking, and reporting to support decision making while maintaining SOX controls and company policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• At least 3 years in a business office/accounting dept with GL/payroll/AP exposure.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Close monthly, quarterly, and year-end books accurately.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and reports.
• Analyze variances and support management decisions.
• Manage inventory accounting for FG, WIP, and raw materials.
• Oversee capital expenditure accounting and tracking.
• Support audits with schedules and reconciliations.
• Guide accounting associates and assist Plant Controller.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

GAAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Job description

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.

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.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Starting salary range for position: $70,400 - $100,000.
• Bonus: Annual - Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance.
• Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro‑rate Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• 11 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.