Accounting Manager

Accounting ManagerSmurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.The opportunity:The North America Mills Accounting organization is seeking a Manager, Accounting - Mills to lead and oversee a broad portfolio of accounting processes supporting mill operations. The role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial results across assigned areas, which may include inventory, freight, warehousing, pricing and revenue, fixed assets, maintenance, restructuring, and relevant technical accounting matters. The position maintains strong internal controls and compliance with U.S. GAAP and Company policy. This position manages a team of accounting professionals comprised of 4-5 direct reports and plays a critical role in the monthly close process, financial reporting, audit support, and accounting policy execution. The role requires close collaboration with mill finance, operations, supply chain, commercial, maintenance, engineering, and corporate accounting teams. In addition to core accounting responsibilities, this role serves as a key driver of process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement across mill accounting workflows.How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:Leadership and OversightLead and develop a team of accounting professionals responsible for assigned mill accounting processes.Provide guidance, coaching, and performance management, including training and cross-functional development.Manage day-to-day accounting operations with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and scalability.Partner with senior leadership to communicate financial results, accounting risks, control matters, and improvement opportunities.Operational Accounting and Financial ReportingOversee accounting and reporting for a broad portfolio of mill-related activities, which may include:Inventory valuation, reserves, accruals, and period-end cutoffFreight, warehousing, and other logistics-related costs and accrualsPricing, revenue, rebates, incentives, and other commercial accounting mattersFixed assets, capital projects, depreciation, asset retirements, and related controlsMaintenance expenditures and the appropriate classification of capital and expense activityRestructuring, transformation, and other special business activities; and relevant technical accounting matters affecting mill operations.Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and consistently in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Company accounting policies.Analyze account balances and fluctuations to identify risks, trends, unusual items, and required adjustments.Partner with functional stakeholders to improve source data, accounting accuracy, and operational alignment.Close and Financial ReportingOversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities for assigned accounting areas.Review and approve journal entries, month-end schedules, account reconciliations, and supporting analyses.Ensure completeness and accuracy of financial results, including proper classification, period-end cutoff, and balance sheet presentation.Support preparation and review of management reporting, variance analyses, and financial explanations.SOX Controls, Audit and ComplianceMaintain and ensure the effectiveness of internal controls over assigned accounting processes.Review the performance of key SOX controls and ensure complete, accurate, and timely documentation.Lead and coordinate responses to internal and external audit requests.Ensure compliance with Company accounting policies, U.S. GAAP, and applicable control requirements.Technical Accounting and Policy ApplicationResearch and evaluate accounting guidance for operational transactions and emerging business matters.Prepare or review accounting conclusions, supporting documentation, and position papers, as needed.Partner with Corporate Accounting and other subject matter experts on complex or judgmental accounting matters.Promote consistent application of accounting policies across mill locations and assigned processes.Process Ownership and Continuous ImprovementServe as process owner for assigned mill accounting workflows.Drive standardization of accounting practices, controls, documentation, and reporting across locations.Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual activity, enhance data quality, and strengthen control execution.Lead or support initiatives related to process optimization, organizational changes, integration, and cross functional alignment.Systems, Data and TransformationOversee assigned accounting processes within core financial systems, including SAP, JDE, and BlackLine.Partner with Finance Technology and IT teams to support system enhancements, implementations, automation, and integration.Leverage data and analytical tools, including Alteryx and BI platforms, to enhance visibility, controls, and decision-making.Business PartnershipPartner with mill controllers, operations, supply chain, commercial, maintenance, engineering, FP&A, and corporate accounting teams to provide accounting leadership and financial insight.Support working capital, cost management, capital stewardship, and operational improvement initiatives.Act as a subject matter expert for assigned mill accounting areas and provide practical guidance to stakeholders.Build effective cross-functional relationships and translate accounting requirements into clear business actions.What you need to succeed:Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing or mill environment with exposure to operational, inventory, cost, fixed asset, revenue, or technical accounting.2+ years of experience managing or supervising an accounting team.Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control frameworks, including SOX.Proclivity to explore generative and agentic AI solutions for autonomous transaction support, analysis and reporting initiativesExperience with ERP systems such as SAP and/or JD Edwards; experience with BlackLine, Alteryx, or BI tools is beneficial.Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems, reconciliations, and reporting tools.Ability to research accounting issues, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clear conclusions.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels and functions of the organization.Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements, lead change, and develop accounting talent.What we offer:Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.