PLANT CONTROLLER

Packaging Corporation of America; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Packaging Corporation of America is seeking a Plant Controller to direct financial management, planning and accounting for a production facility. You will oversee payroll, payables, receivables, and financial reporting while guiding short- and long-term forecasts and providing actionable insights to improve plant results.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, 8+ years in accounting, and manufacturing experience; you will lead budgeting, month-end closings, and internal controls, collaborating

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Direct the accounting and financial affairs of the plant and provide guidance for management decisions including financial statements accuracy and timely processing activities.
• Ensure the plant complies with federal, state, and local laws and maintains internal controls.
• Conduct month/year-end closings and ensure proper processing of financial transactions.
• Coordinate and direct budget preparation, financial reports and forecasts.
• Maintain accounts and perform timely reconciliations and reporting of variances.
• Provide guidance and training to accounting staff and engage in succession planning.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Master's degree in finance or accounting

CPA designation

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

General ledger software

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.