Accountant Lead

Job Title: Accounting Lead

Reports to: Director Of finance

The Position

The Accounting Lead provides technical and operational leadership for Port Townsend Paper Company’s mill accounting function, with primary responsibility for the financial close, general ledger integrity, chart of accounts, and balance sheet accuracy. The position serves as a key technical resource and coordinates the accounting team’s daily activities, providing guidance, work review, training, and support.

The successful candidate combines strong accounting judgment with initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement. They independently identify priorities, resolve issues, constructively evaluate established practices, and use technology - including automation and approved AI-enabled tools - to improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial reporting while maintaining effective controls.

The role may assume additional responsibility for team administration and coordination as business needs evolve, with the scope of authority established by the Director of Finance. Based in Port Townsend, this position offers the opportunity to build a long-term career and contribute to the mill’s continued success.

About Port Townsend Paper Corporation (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service. 

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Financial Close, General Ledger & Reporting

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, coordinating activities and ensuring accurate, complete, and timely results.
• Prepare and review journal entries, including complex accruals, reserves, allocations, and adjusting entries.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts within 4Site, ensuring a consistent account structure and accurate classification by cost center, account, and reporting period.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, Crown Paper Group reporting packages, and account fluctuation analyses; investigate significant variances and provide clear explanations.
• Provide accurate historical financial information and accounting support for budgeting and forecasting.

Balance Sheet, Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, including those completed by other team members, and ensure timely investigation and resolution of outstanding items.
• Oversee fixed asset and construction-in-progress accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, project closeout, and disposals.
• Maintain accurate accounting for prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and Crown Paper Group intercompany balances.
• Lead mill stores inventory accounting and reconciliations.
• Support production cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis in collaboration with Finance and mill operations.

Tax, Internal Controls & Audit

• Coordinate the preparation, review, and timely filing of sales and use tax, Washington B&O tax, and property tax returns; monitor applicable requirements and changes.
• Coordinate with PwC on income tax information requests and supporting schedules.
• Research, evaluate, and document the application of U.S. GAAP to non-routine and complex transactions.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, identifying risks and implementing practical improvements.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day accounting contact for the annual external audit, coordinating schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Support other audits and compliance reviews as required.

Team Leadership, Administration & Development

• Coordinate daily accounting activities, assign and prioritize work within delegated authority, and monitor deadlines and completion.
• Provide technical direction, training, and work review for accounting and accounts payable/receivable staff.
• Mentor team members, strengthen technical capabilities, and promote cross-training and greater independence.
• Support consistent application of accounting policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Coordinate workload distribution, backup coverage, and team administrative activities as delegated by the Director of Finance.
• Provide input on staffing needs, employee development, and performance; address routine work issues within delegated authority and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Assume additional team administration or supervisory responsibilities as assigned, with reporting relationships and personnel authority defined by the Director of Finance.
• Provide backup coverage for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and treasury activities in accordance with established approval authorities and segregation-of-duties controls.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Proactively identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and accounting risks; develop and implement practical solutions within established authority.
• Improve processes to reduce manual effort, strengthen data quality, and streamline the financial close.
• Use 4Site, advanced Excel capabilities, Power BI, automation, and approved AI-enabled tools to improve accounting processes, with appropriate validation, data safeguards, and internal controls.
• Coordinate material process and system changes with the Director of Finance and other appropriate stakeholders, obtaining required approvals before implementation.
• Develop and maintain accounting procedures, close checklists, and desk manuals to support consistency, accountability, and business continuity.
• Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation or progress toward CPA preferred.
• At least five years of progressive accounting experience, including primary responsibility for month-end close and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Manufacturing and cost accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in pulp and paper, public accounting, and ERP systems such as 4Site is an asset.
• Experience coordinating accounting staff, reviewing work, or leading team activities preferred.

Technical Skills & Professional Attributes

• Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and the ability to research and apply accounting guidance.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and analysis of large datasets; Power BI experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and accountability, with the ability to identify necessary work and carry it through to completion.
• Ability to establish priorities, coordinate workloads, mentor colleagues, and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain accounting issues to financial and non-financial colleagues.
• Comfort with technology and a demonstrated interest in automation, AI, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work regularly on-site in Port Townsend, WA

Employment Terms

• Full time, Exempt position
• Salary range: $103,500 to $160,500 DOE
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 2 weeks paid vacation or more depending on position.
• 9 paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

• Retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance coverage with full services, including dietary and nutritional services, retirement planning, and support services.
• In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Port Townsend Paper Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.