Assistant Mill Controller

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 Assistant Mill Controller directly assists the Mill Controller and Administration Manager in all aspects of Accounting, Purchasing and Budgeting functions of the Mill. The Assistant Mill Controller is responsible for reviewing and helping to ensure the accuracy of mill financial statements and transactions, compliance with internal controls and policies, and maintaining adequate safeguards to protect mill assets. This individual can evaluate opportunities to improve overall mill performance and profitability.


The Assistant Mill Controller is expected assist the Mill Controller and Administration Manager oversee all accounting, budgeting and forecasting of the assigned Mill. The Assistant Mill Controller is a part of the management team. As such, the Assistant Mill Controller is expected to oversee all financial transactions and assist in making high level decisions guided by functional strategies and priorities, resource availability, and long-term strategic direction. The individual uses his/her knowledge and experience to gather relevant information, identify key issues and relationships, compare data from different sources, identify cause-effect relationships, and recommend solutions. Unresolved issues or questions should be escalated to the Mill Controller and Administration Manager and/or Mill Manager.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Assist in the management of accounting and financial affairs of the mill and provide guidance for management decisions.
• Assist in the management of purchasing such as systems, functions, budgeting, forecasting as well as reviewing financial planning and office system functions with the Mill Admin/Controller Manager.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures including compliance with PCA's 404 Key and Significant Controls.
• Complete accurate and timely month/quarter/year-end closings and financial transactions.
• Coordinate and direct the preparation of budget, strategic plan, financial reports and forecasts.
• Maintain security and control of mill assets through system of accounts and documentation of balances via timely account reconciliations.
• Prepare, revise, and update internal reports for management decision making. Analyze and report variances.
• Ensure effective, timely, and on-going remediation of any noted internal control weaknesses as a result of audits, area financial reviews, and plant financial reviews.
• Develop short- and long-term plans and forecasts based on business goals including providing financial and operational analysis and recommendations for plant improvement.
• Review financial position and key control issues with plant management on a quarterly basis.
• Provide guidance, training, and operating documentation to accounting staff as well as other staff that engage in accounting activities. Mentor and prepare the accounting staff for career advancement.
• Assist the upper management in developing business plans and evaluating and recommending capital projects to ensure the plant remains profitable and competitive.
• Know and follow policies and procedures of the company, share information that would benefit other members of the team and find ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers.
• Strive to continually strengthen PCA's business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectations for customers specifically supporting PCA's Commitment to Service which involves doing what's right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make.

Position Requirements:

• Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years' experience in the accounting function with a solid understanding of all the major areas of accounting required.
• Experience in manufacturing setting with an overall understanding of plant operations preferred.
• Solid understanding and working knowledge of standard financial/accounting procedures, GAAP concepts and principles, accounting procedures, and internal controls required.
• Solid analytical and mathematical skills.
• Working knowledge of general ledger financial systems and keeping accurate inventories.
• Must be able to analyze a multitude of issues and effectively communicate findings.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively lead and communicate with business management.
• 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 listening, evaluating, and organizational skills.
• Strong working knowledge of computer systems including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and accounting software required.
• Must be able to travel as necessary and possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• 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.

All qualified applicants must apply at Careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.

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