Senior Accounting Associate

About the role

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping 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 U.S. locations.

Responsibilities

• Post entries accurately and completely to the general ledger and verify and balance general ledger accounts.
• Post, validate, and process accounts payable transactions, including preparation of batch payments.
• Post, audit, and collect accounts receivable transactions, making adjustments and corrections as appropriate.
• Follow up on customer accounts, including customer credit issuances and collection activity.
• Provide support with processing weekly hourly payroll.
• Assist in preparations for month-end closings of plant financials.
• Issue daily reports of financial matters, discrepancies, or irregularities to the Controller as assigned.
• Maintain accounting and payroll files and backup documentation in accordance with PCA’s record-keeping policies.
• Provide general administrative support, including electronic and physical file organization, copying, and correspondence.
• Respond to corporate requests and cyclical filings as directed by the Controller.
• Maintain a follow-up system to ensure timely submission of requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three years of previous work experience in a business office or accounting function with exposure to general ledger, payroll, and/or accounts payable.
• Previous experience using an automated accounting/payroll system.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, preferably with exceptional Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or college accounting coursework.
• Experience in the manufacturing sector, particularly in containerboard and corrugated packaging.
• Experience with financial systems for invoicing, credit/collections, expense reporting, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Previous Ceridian/Dayforce payroll processing experience.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of accounting procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle numerous details, deadlines, and requests.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment and prioritize assignments.
• Strong analytical skills for detail-oriented tasks and reviewing multiple documents.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and requests concurrently.
• Strong appreciation for confidentiality and information management.
• Above-average written and verbal communication skills for multiple audiences.
• Strong listening, evaluating, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours or overtime as needed.
• Experience working in a team environment or understanding of open communication and information sharing.

Pay

Starting salary range: $48,000 – $62,000 per year.

Annual bonus based on individual contribution and company performance.

Benefits

• Paid vacation: Three weeks per calendar year (pro-rated during the initial year based on start date).
• Paid holidays.
• Eligibility to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage within the first 30 days of employment (employee and dependents).
• Automatic enrollment in life, AD&D, and disability coverages upon hire.
• Automatic enrollment in the 401k plan with pre-tax and Roth contribution options, plus employer matching contributions.