Accounting Specialist

What We Do At Inland

Join our dynamic team at Inland Packaging, a leading local label and packaging manufacturer. We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Accounting Specialist to be part of our growing family. As a global supplier, Inland proudly produces 25 billion labels annually for renowned brands such as Kraft Heinz, New Glarus Brewing, Purina, AriZona, Coors Light, and many more.

At Inland, we are a family-owned business committed to innovation and excellence. We invest in state-of-the-art technology and offer comprehensive on-the-job training, ensuring endless opportunities for career advancement.

Job Summary:  

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for performing accounting related functions including month-end and year-end closing process, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other accounting related tasks according to Inland’s policies. This position will work with various internal and external customers, while maintaining a high level of customer service, to assist in meeting Accounting department goals and objectives. The Accounting Specialist will assist in streamlining department processes that allow for future business growth while also participating in Accounting department initiatives. Successful candidates should have a drive for continuous learning and feel very comfortable working as part of a team.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.        

The following duties & responsibilities will be managed by the accounting team with cross training in all areas.  The Accounting Specialist will be assigned primary and back-up duties from this list.

• Daily accounting functions, including but not limited to, processing accounts payable, maintaining vendor records, cash application to customer accounts, and collection of past due balances. 

• Assists internal and external customers in answering questions on business transaction processing requirements and timely respond to inquiries.
• Maintains files on account status, vendor information, payments processed, resolve vendor discrepancies, and review vendor statements for accuracy.
• Participates in the month-end closing process, including journal entries, general ledger account reconciliations, and monthly reporting package and analysis.
• Participates in monthly credit card reconciliation process, including the training of employees on reporting software and troubleshooting issues with end users as they arise. 
• Prepare various accounting spreadsheets, reconciliations, and analysis as needed.
• Maintains files and computer-based records in compliance with company policies and procedures, including but not limited to, tax exemption certificates and Non-disclosure Agreements
• Applies continuous improvement management principles and participates in process analysis and improvement projects.
• Works with internal and external customers to solve issues to maximize automation. This includes customer start-up, customer relations (new or existing), self-invoicing customers, unassigned and unapplied cash, refunds, deductions, and third-party payers.
• Provides general accounting backup support to the Finance Team. 

• Establishes and maintains departmental Standard Operating Procedures to document business transaction processing steps.

Core Competencies:

• Building Partnerships
  • Developing and leveraging relationships within and across work groups, as well as outside the organization, to achieve results
• Earning Trust 
  • Gaining others’ confidence by acting with integrity and following through on commitments while disclosing own positions; treating others and their ideas with respect and supporting them in the face of challenges.
• Driving for Results (Self)
  • Setting high goals for personal accomplishment that align with organizational projects and expected outcomes; tenaciously working to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction for that achievement and continuous improvement. 

Essential skills and experience:

• An Associate Degree or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business or related field and two (2) or more years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 
• Must be analytical, innovative, and decisive.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS and financial control concepts to ensure compliance with accounting standards. 
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner with all levels of internal and external customers.  
• Must be organized and detail oriented 
• Ability to develop productive relationships with management, peers, plant personnel, suppliers and customers
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to think outside the box, work independently with general supervision, be a team player, and willing to contribute beyond the defined role to meet business needs as circumstances require
• Ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, procedures and systems

Nonessential skills and experience:

• Advance degree in Business or related field 
• CPA Certification 
• Knowledge of the printing and packaging industries
• Knowledge of SQL and database structures 
• Knowledge of Syspro or similar ERP system 

Work Environment:

• Operates in a demanding, fast-paced, people-oriented manufacturing environment with frequent changes and interruptions, and multiple project assignments
• Works with a variety of people including vendors, customers, regulatory agencies, employees, team members, and managers

Required Work Schedule:

• Typically works standard business hours
• Must be flexible for meetings and responsibilities outside of standard business hours, including weekends
• Some travel and overnight trips may be required

Physical Requirements:

• Generally sedentary
• 20/40 corrected vision
• No unusual physical requirements are necessary