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Plant Accountant
full-timeColumbus$70k - $88k

Summary

Location

Columbus

Salary

$70k - $88k

Type

full-time

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About this role

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:

 

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: $70,000 - $88,000.
  • Bonus: Annual – Based upon individual contribution and overall, Company performance. 
  • Paid Vacation: Three (3) weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.  
  • 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.

 

Other facts

Tech stack
Accounting,Financial Reporting,General Ledger,Payroll,Accounts Payable,Forecasting,Analytical Skills,Communication Skills,Organizational Skills,GAAP,Microsoft Excel,Financial Systems,Teamwork,Problem Solving,Attention to Detail,Customer Service

About PCA

PCA is the third-largest producer of containerboard in the United States and the third-largest producer of uncoated freesheet in North America, based on production capacity. We have approximately 15,400 employees, with operations within the United States.

PCA’s Packaging segment includes seven containerboard mills and approximately 85 corrugated converting plants. In 2024, PCA produced about 294 billion square feet (BSF) of containerboard and shipped 67 BSF of corrugated products.

PCA’s Paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. We manufacture and sell white papers, including both commodity and specialty papers.

PCA’s net sales for 2024 were $8.4 billion. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Forest, Illinois.

PCA combines great products with a creative and knowledgeable total-service team to provide ideas and solutions for any packaging need: "When you choose Packaging Corporation of America, you work with people who do the right things for each other and for our customers. We believe in utilizing the power of strong collaborative relationships, bound by the trust we have earned, to deliver innovative packaging solutions and an outstanding service experience."​

Team size: 10,001+ employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Packaging & Containers
Founding Year: 1959

What you'll do

  • The Plant Accountant is responsible for organizing and coordinating the general accounting activities for the plant, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with policies. This includes managing the general ledger, payroll processing, and analyzing financial variances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does PCA pay for a Plant Accountant?

PCA offers a competitive compensation package for the Plant Accountant role. The salary range is USD 70k - 88k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Plant Accountant do at PCA?

As a Plant Accountant at PCA, you will: the Plant Accountant is responsible for organizing and coordinating the general accounting activities for the plant, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with policies. This includes managing the general ledger, payroll processing, and analyzing financial variances..

Why join PCA as a Plant Accountant?

PCA is a leading Packaging & Containers company. The Plant Accountant role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Plant Accountant position at PCA remote?

The Plant Accountant position at PCA is based in Columbus, Indiana, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Plant Accountant position at PCA?

You can apply for the Plant Accountant position at PCA directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about PCA on their website.