Accounting Associate

Job Description

Accounting Associate | Packaging Corporation of America

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Packaging Corporation of America, an ideas and solutions company operating in over 100 U.S. locations. PCA is a Fortune 500 company dedicated to being a leader in corrugated packaging, helping customers package, transport, and display products of all kinds. Through its white paper business, PCA provides Paper With Purpose, focusing on the highest level of customer service and operational excellence for its approximately 15,000 team members. The Accounting Associate plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records, producing timely reports, analysis, and statements essential for informed decision-making and ensuring compliance with company policies and generally accepted accounting principles.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Undisclosed U.S. Location
• Pay: $42000–$63000 yearly
• Mission: Own maintaining all accounting records and producing timely reports, analysis, and statements in accordance with company policies and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• General Ledger Management: Post entries accurately and completely to the general ledger, meticulously verifying and balancing accounts to ensure financial integrity.
• Accounts Payable Processing: Efficiently post, validate, and process accounts payable transactions, including the precise preparation of batch payments.
• Accounts Receivable Oversight: Post, audit, and actively collect accounts receivable transactions, making necessary adjustments and corrections to maintain cash flow.
• Payroll & Month-End Support: Provide crucial support with the processing of weekly hourly payroll and assist in the timely preparations of month-end closings of financials for the plant.
• Record Keeping & Compliance: Maintain comprehensive accounting and payroll files and backup documentation in accordance with PCA’s record-keeping policies, and respond to corporate requests and cyclical filings under the Controller’s direction.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-level position requiring education equivalent to a high school diploma and a solid working knowledge of general accounting procedures.
• Experience: At least one year of previous work experience in a business office or accounting function, with practical exposure to general ledger, payroll, and/or accounts payable functions.
• Skills: Strong working knowledge of computer systems, particularly Microsoft Office and exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Excel; demonstrated strong analytical abilities for handling detail-oriented tasks and reviewing multiple documents; strong organizational skills for managing numerous details, deadlines, and requests; and a strong appreciation for the retention and management of confidential information.
• Bonus: An Associate’s degree or college accounting coursework; previous experience specifically within the manufacturing sector or the containerboard and corrugated packaging industry; and experience with specialized computer software that handles accounts payable and general ledger functions.