Plant Accountant - Cincinnati, OH

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 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: 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