Sr. Anlst, Accountant

The Opportunity

The North America Corrugated Accounting organization is seeking a Senior Accountant, Inventory Accounting, to support inventory accounting activities across corrugated manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of inventory-related accounting and reporting activities while maintaining compliance with U.S. GAAP, SOX requirements, and company policies.

The Senior Accountant will play a key role in the monthly close process, inventory valuation, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and audit support. This position partners closely with plant finance teams, operations, corporate accounting, and other cross-functional stakeholders to ensure accurate inventory reporting and effective financial controls.

The role also supports process improvement, automation, and standardization initiatives across the inventory accounting organization. How You Will Impact Smurfit WestRock*Inventory Accounting and Valuation Support inventory accounting processes across corrugated plants, including:

• Raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• In-depth daily reconciliations of in-transit inventory.
• Inventory accruals, including reserves and other inventory-related liabilities.
• Monitor inventory balances and investigate unusual fluctuations, aged items, valuation issues, and inventory discrepancies.
• Perform inventory analysis and prepare supporting schedules to ensure accurate inventory valuation in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Partner with mill finance and operations teams to understand inventory activity and resolve reporting issues.

*Close and Financial Reporting Prepare and post journal entries related to inventory valuation, inventory accruals, reserves, and other inventory-related transactions.

• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and investigate reconciling items promptly.
• Assist in performing variance analysis and provide explanations for significant inventory and cost fluctuations.
• Support management reporting and ad hoc financial analysis requests.
• Ensure inventory transactions are recorded in the proper accounting period and comply with established cutoff.

*SOX Controls, Audit and Compliance Execute key internal controls related to inventory accounting and inventory reporting.

• Maintain supporting documentation for reconciliations, analyses, and control activities.
• Assist in the preparation of audit schedules and respond to internal and external audit requests.

*Process Improvement and Analysis Identify opportunities to improve inventory accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

• Support implementation of new accounting policies, procedures, and inventory-related process changes.
• Assist with special projects and business initiatives impacting inventory accounting.
• Participate in initiatives focused on:
• Inventory process standardization and simplification
• Data quality improvements.
• Automation and reporting enhancements.
• Reduction of manual journal entries and reconciliations.

*Systems and Data Management Utilize financial systems and reporting tools, including KIWI, Amtech, Sage, SAP, JDE, and Blackline.

• Partner with KIWI IT and cross-functional teams to support system enhancements, testing, and process improvements.
• Leverage tools such as Alteryx, Power BI, Copilot, and other analytics platforms to improve reporting efficiency and decision-making.

*Business Partnership Collaborate with Regional Controllers and the finance team to support inventory accounting activities.

• Assist with inventory optimization, working capital initiatives, and inventory-related analysis.
• Serve as a resource for inventory accounting questions and reporting requirements.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to improve financial visibility and support operational decision-making.

What you need to succeed:* Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal control requirements (SOX).
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP and/or JD Edwards.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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.