Plant Controller

Packaging Corp of America; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corp of America seeks a Plant Controller to direct the plant's financial management, planning and accounting activities in Lithonia, GA. Lead month-end closings, forecasting and reporting to improve results while ensuring compliance with internal controls and company policies.

The role requires a strong background in manufacturing accounting, GAAP, and leadership. Travel as needed within the U.S. and interaction with plant management are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance required.
• 8+ years in accounting with 5+ years in manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Strong analytical, leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct plant accounting and financial affairs; ensure accuracy of statements and transactions.
• Lead month/year-end closings and budgeting processes.
• Coordinate preparation of budgets and forecasts; analyze variances.
• Oversee capital expenditure analysis and project tracking.
• Collaborate with internal audit on control findings and remediation.

Skills

GAAP concepts

Financial analysis

Leadership

Communication

Excel

General ledger

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance

Masters in finance or accounting

CPA designation

Tools

Accounting software

ERP / GL systems

Word

Job description

The Plant Controller is responsible for directing the financial management, business planning and accounting activities of a plant. The Plant Controller normally supervises the plant payroll, payables, receivables, management and financial reporting. The Plant Controller is involved in developing short and long term plans and forecasts based on business goals; providing financial and operational analysis of results; and providing financial and operational alternative recommendations to improve plant results. PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES: Direct the accounting and financial affairs of the plant and provide guidance for management decisions including financial statements accuracy, the timely and accurate completion of transaction processing activities, payments are properly supported and authorized, plant internal control compliance, adequate safeguards are in place where possible based on risk to properly protect PCA assets, credit policies are followed and customer collections are made, and effective disclosure practices are in place and being followed. Ensure that plant maintains compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Ensures that PCA’s Key and Significant Controls are in place and operating. Conduct month/year-end closings and ensure that financial transactions are processed properly. Coordinate and direct the preparation of budget and financial reports and forecasts. Maintain system of accounts and document balances through complete and timely account reconciliations. Prepare internal reports, revise and up-date reports for Management decision making. Analyze and report variances. Make recommendations to plant management aimed at improving the short and long-term results of the plant. Review financial position and key control issues with plant management on a quarterly basis. Work with internal audit on all control based work and ensure all internal audit findings and AFR issues are corrected and remain corrected on a quarterly basis. Manage the profit forecasting, annual budgeting and month-end closing processes for the plants. Prepare financial analysis and scenarios as requested. Manage the capital expenditure process including working with plant management on analysis of significant projects and ensuring that project’s financials are prepared properly prior to Board of Director submittal. Ensure plant accountants have detailed capital expenditure tracking in place for all projects. Provide guidance, training, and operating documentation to accounting staff as well as other staff that engage in accounting activities. Conduct succession planning activities within the plant. Understands and follows policies and procedures of the company, shares information that would benefit other members of the team and finds ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers. BASIC

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or finance. 8+ years’ experience in the accounting function with a solid understanding of all the major areas of accounting. 5+ yrs. experience in manufacturing setting with 1 -2 years as Plant Accountant (or similar experience) with an overall understanding of plant operations. Solid understanding and working knowledge of standard financial/accounting procedures, GAAP concepts and principles, accounting procedures and internal controls. Solid analytical and mathematical skills. Working knowledge of general ledger financial systems and inventory management. Must be able to analyze a multitude of issues and effectively communicate findings. Strong interpersonal skills to effectively lead and communicate with business management. Ability to plan and manage numerous projects and areas concurrently. Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel and accounting software. Strong leadership, problem solving and training skills to shape and lead team by example and create enthusiasm. Must be able to travel as necessary and authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Masters in finance or accounting. CPA designation. 2+ yrs. previous supervisory management with experience in hiring, coaching, performance development, and corrective action. KNOWLEDGE-SKILLS-ABILITIES: Ability to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers. Excellent communication, analytical, organizational and computer skills. Must be capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving. Must be capable of working with ambiguity and change.